Damn

[TriGuy]

I'm sure that most of you either saw on the news or read about the dive boat Conception bursting into flames and taking the lives of 35 passengers. From 1981 until 1986 I worked for Finstaad's Scubaventures in Santa Cruz. I taught SCUBA and on 8-9 trips per year I dive mastered for Truth Aquatics which owned 3 Dive boats, the Truth, the Vision, and the Conception. I know the Vessel's owners. Bill Finstaad's daughter Kristy who grew up around the shop and went on some of our trips was on board leading this group and perished in the flames. I am kind of numb right now. Between this and the loss of my father I am going to take a mental Chautauqua. I will be around but not very active.

Eric.

[wacojoe]

Horrendous loss. My sympathies to all close to those who perished.

[mgrist]

Damn is right, our thoughts are with you.

[Truckman]

I tend to read of marine disasters like this and think they only happen in foreign countries where construction and safety standards might not be up to US levels...Then this...It brings reality home......Ben

[Phillbo]

I'm very interested to hear how the fire started. Diesel engines and massive automatic suppression systems on board leads me to believe some kind of propane leak causing a very aggressive fire. What kind of activity takes place at 3 in the morning on a dive boat?

[Honda]

Maybe some of the lighting equipment for the divers was charging or a battery sparked. Just terrible.