Dive boat fire

[RiverDave]

Wow...Just wow.... I quit posting on the thread because I had nothing to add to it having no experience on one of these boats... And I was just repeating what the ignorant news people were speculating.. Now I see this!!!! What a disgrace you fools are bringing to RDP..Mini-brewery brew?? Really? Is that what you feel about 34 people that fucking died aboard this boat.. Your childish banter is totally below anything I want to be associated with.. Some posts, by those with experience on this very boat or her twins , is informative and quite likely a thread that comes up if non members are searching for news on this tragedy..Have a little class and respect, and at least respect RDP when posting on this very sensitive thread. I can not express my disappointment, the proper words just won't come to me right now...
Ray

Well said.. and the fact that some people are trying to be mean to a newer member that isn’t familiar with the software on top of it... sad.

 

[Concierge]

Ryan Sims severely broke his leg. There is no doubt. The owners are obligated to pay for his medical treatments and his living expenses until he reaches maximum recovery. This is known as Maintenance and Cure from the Jones Act. It appears he is bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the owners that goes beyond his Maintenance and Cure. It smells like attorneys to me. Not very surprising.

 

[buck35]

......








Really.

 

[GRADS]

Well said.. and the fact that some people are trying to be mean to a newer member that isn’t familiar with the software on top of it... sad.

I get that there might be a little learning curve but come on. Look at the very next post after yours.

 

[stephenkatsea]

I get that there might be a little learning curve but come on. Look at the very next post after yours.

WTF? Internet wizards are NOT impressive, including those on RDP. Just sayin'.

 

[GRADS]

WTF? Internet wizards are NOT impressive, including those on RDP. Just sayin'.

Noted. Being able to post on a forum=internet wizard.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Noted. Being able to post on a forum=internet wizard.

Best you grab your accolades when you can. In your case, they're not many. What sad posts some make.

 

[hallett21]

The NTSB released their report on this.

Search Docket - Docket Management System

dms.ntsb.gov

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[4Waters]

The NTSB released their report on this.

Search Docket - Docket Management System

dms.ntsb.gov

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cliff notes

 

[hallett21]

Cliff notes

From what I’ve read elsewhere.

They were all asleep.

History of electrical issues in the galley according to a crew member

There were known safety issues that were not addressed by the owner



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[HCP3]

Cliff notes

“No physical evidence was recovered that could be identified as an ignition source or indicate a specific ignition location within that area,” the NTSB said. “Therefore, the cause of the fire is undetermined.”

A 'pop,' a 'crackle,' then 'fire!': NTSB records show dramatic moments as flames swept Conception dive boat

Investigative records released Wednesday provide the fullest account yet of the 2019 boat fire off the Ventura County coast that killed 34 people, but they still do not pinpoint a cause of the fire.

www.latimes.com

 

[4Waters]

“No physical evidence was recovered that could be identified as an ignition source or indicate a specific ignition location within that area,” the NTSB said. “Therefore, the cause of the fire is undetermined.”

A 'pop,' a 'crackle,' then 'fire!': NTSB records show dramatic moments as flames swept Conception dive boat

Investigative records released Wednesday provide the fullest account yet of the 2019 boat fire off the Ventura County coast that killed 34 people, but they still do not pinpoint a cause of the fire.

www.latimes.com

I saw that coming

 

[Sleek-Jet]

The NTSB released their report on this.

Search Docket - Docket Management System

dms.ntsb.gov

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's the docket not the NTSB report itself. The report is to be released next month. The report will have the findings.

 

[hallett21]

That's the docket not the NTSB report itself.

Haven’t gone through all of it. But seems to have everything in there?

Is their final report just a compilation of these?


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[H20 Toie]

Having been on that boat a couple times I can’t even imagine how terrible it would have been

 

[SoCalDave]

Having been on that boat a couple times I can’t even imagine how terrible it would have been

Glad you weren't on it at that time.
RIP to those that lost their souls that day. How tragic...

 

[rrrr]

From what I’ve read elsewhere.

History of electrical issues in the galley according to a crew member

There were known safety issues that were not addressed by the owner



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not according to the NTSB report.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Haven’t gone through all of it. But seems to have everything in there?

Is their final report just a compilation of these?


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The docket is their research and facts of the investigation.

The report is where you will get a cohesive narrative and the NTSB's findings on the case.

 

[hallett21]

Not according to the NTSB report.

It’s in the interview with crew member section. So not sure if that doesn’t count because it’s only hearsay?


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[Sleek-Jet]

It’s in the interview with crew member section. So not sure if that doesn’t count because it’s only hearsay?


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Reading the fire investigation board findings, there was work done in the galley area that was completed without the proper CG oversight or approval.

Based on the same report, it appears the fire started in the aft Salon area and not in the galley.

Reading between the lines, they are going to say it was a overheating battery being charged in the salon area that was the source of the fire.

 

[QC22]

They were all asleep.

Can only hope they stayed asleep.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

The gal in my signature was supposed to be working on this vessel that night but couldn't make the trip. She's one lucky lady and knows it.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Haven’t gone through all of it. But seems to have everything in there?

Is their final report just a compilation of these?


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Everything? I read and scanned the NTSB investigation report posted on this thread. I did not see an investigation report with the Captain. Unless I missed it, that seems odd. Appeared to be interviews with the owner and others who weren't even there that night. But, not one mention of if there was or wasn't a crew member maintaining the roving patrol that night. No interview wth the Captain. That seems vital to this tragedy.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Can only hope they stayed asleep.

News media said, Recent release of the autopsy report of each victim indicated they each died from smoke inhalation. Many appeared to have been awake, based on having their shoes/boots on etc. May they RIP. Can't even imagine the burden the Capt must be carrying.

 

[lbhsbz]

News media said, Recent release of the autopsy report of each victim indicated they each died from smoke inhalation. Many appeared to have been awake, based on having their shoes/boots on etc. May they RIP. Can't even imagine the burden the Capt must be carrying.

That is rather interesting...if I’m on a boat and smell smoke...the first thing that would go through my mind is getting off it into the water...in which case the last thing on my mind would be putting on shoes or boots.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

That is rather interesting...if I’m on a boat and smell smoke...the first thing that would go through my mind is getting off it into the water...in which case the last thing on my mind would be putting on shoes or boots.

What's the first thing most people do when they get ready to go outside? Probably put their shoes on or get dressed if they have been sleeping.

Don't discount muscle memory when panicked.

It's why people grab suitcases when getting off airplanes in emergencies. Because that is what you do normally and habit takes over when the adrenaline is pumping.

 

[rrrr]

Everything? I read and scanned the NTSB investigation report posted on this thread. I did not see an investigation report with the Captain. Unless I missed it, that seems odd.

The US Attorney prohibited the captain from testifying because of the ongoing criminal investigation.

I read most of the docket, I didn't see anything that indicated criminal negligence by the owners or the captain. Based on all of the interviews, the fire almost certainly began in the starboard rear of the main salon, were large dive lights with lithium batteries were being charged.

Lithium battery fires burn hot and expand quickly, and that fits the crew's description of where the fire started and how the entire salon and galley quickly became an inferno.

 

[lbhsbz]

What's the first thing most people do when they get ready to go outside? Probably put their shoes on or get dressed if they have been sleeping.

Don't discount muscle memory when panicked.

It's why people grab suitcases when getting off airplanes in emergencies. Because that is what you do normally and habit takes over when the adrenaline is pumping.

I thought about that...and I think they do that because safety is 30 feet away. In this case, “safety” is water, and then the island. These are divers...not your typical airline passenger dolt.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I thought about that...and I think they do that because safety is 30 feet away. In this case, “safety” is water, and then the island. These are divers...not your typical airline passenger dolt.

Maybe, but being awoken from a sound sleep after a day of diving? The cards were stacked against them.

From reading the reports, by the time the passengers were awoken there really wasn't any way out. The aft escape hatch was right next to the fire. The forward ladder was choaked with smoke, and most likely the ventilation system was pumping smoke and fumes into the bunk room.

Kind of stomach churning if you think about it.

 

[rrrr]

Don't discount muscle memory when panicked.

It's why people grab suitcases when getting off airplanes in emergencies. Because that is what you do normally and habit takes over when the adrenaline is pumping.

If I'm ever on an airplane that's being evacuated and some idiot in front of me is trying to get his giant roller bag out of the overhead, I'm going to hit him as hard as I can to focus his attention on the issue at hand.

Freekin' idiots.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

If I'm ever on an airplane that's being evacuated and some idiot in front of me is trying to get his giant roller bag out of the overhead, I'm going to hit him as hard as I can to focus his attention on the issue at hand.

Freekin' idiots.

And that's probably what they need... LOL...

 

[stephenkatsea]

The US Attorney prohibited the captain from testifying because of the ongoing criminal investigation.

I read most of the docket, I didn't see anything that indicated criminal negligence by the owners of the captain. Based on all of the interviews, the fire almost certainly began in the starboard rear of the main salon, were large dive lights with lithium batteries were being charged.

Lithium battery fires burn hot and expand quickly, and that fits the crew's description of where the fire started and how the entire salon and galley quickly became an inferno.

I agree with all you've said. Since this report did not mention any aspect of the USCG required Roving Patrol, there appeared to be no criminal negligence in this NTSB, as posted. The use of flammable "RubberMade" trash receptacles was about the only minor infraction noted. The "elephant in the room" remains the status of the Roving Patrolman that night, or lack there of.

I was Captain of USCG inspected vessels in SoCal for a few years early in on my career. The dive boat Truth, the base of this organization, was in operation then. I knew of the boat. It had a very good reputation. Good crew, and good owners. This NTSB report describes an operation that safely carried many repeat customers, time and time again, for many years. But, once that 2nd galley hand on the Conception went to bed that night, the boat, passengers and crew had no one on watch. That lack of a watchman was NOT addressed anywhere in this particular NTSB report.

 

[rrrr]

I agree with all you've said. Since this report did not mention any aspect of the USCG required Roving Patrol, there appeared to be no criminal negligence in this NTSB, as posted. The use of flammable "RubberMade" trash receptacles was about the only minor infraction noted. The "elephant in the room" remains the status of the Roving Patrolman that night, or lack there of.

I was Captain of USCG inspected vessels in SoCal for a few years early in on my career. The dive boat Truth, the base of this organization, was in operation then. I knew of the boat. It had a very good reputation. Good crew, and good owners. This NTSB report describes an operation that safely carried many repeat customers, time and time again, for many years. But, once that 2nd galley hand on the Conception went to bed that night, the boat, passengers and crew had no one on watch. That lack of a watchman was NOT addressed anywhere in this particular NTSB report.

I forgot about that issue, and it was addressed in the docket. I think it was in the survivability aspects report and two other reports. That could be the basis for a criminal indictment.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I agree with all you've said. Since this report did not mention any aspect of the USCG required Roving Patrol, there appeared to be no criminal negligence in this NTSB, as posted. The use of flammable "RubberMade" trash receptacles was about the only minor infraction noted. The "elephant in the room" remains the status of the Roving Patrolman that night, or lack there of.

I was Captain of USCG inspected vessels in SoCal for a few years early in on my career. The dive boat Truth, the base of this organization, was in operation then. I knew of the boat. It had a very good reputation. Good crew, and good owners. This NTSB report describes an operation that safely carried many repeat customers, time and time again, for many years. But, once that 2nd galley hand on the Conception went to bed that night, the boat, passengers and crew had no one on watch. That lack of a watchman was NOT addressed anywhere in this particular NTSB report.

We will have to wait for the actual Report to be released to see if the NTSB finds that the lack of a watchmen was a contributing factor.

 

[Duramax]

Was it the galley hand that plugged his phone in and watched it spark, then went to bed? Did he leave it plugged in? Kind of odd.

 

[stephenkatsea]

USCG regs state that when the berthing area is occupied and the vessel's crew is not up, there shall be a designated Roving Patrol Watchman. I read many mentions of other safety and manning issues in this NTSB report, but not one mention of the RP. If it's there, perhaps I missed it. Otherwise, it sounded like the Captain ran a good operation. Perfect? No. The multiple devices being charged should not have been allowed. BTW, the distinction between the salon and the galley areas on this boat is misleading. Believe they are within the same space with no bulkheads or doors between them. The galley (food prep area) was forward, salon seating area was aft.

 

[Waterjunky]

BTW, the distinction between the salon and the galley areas on this boat is misleading. Believe they are within the same space with no bulkheads or doors between them. The galley (food prep area) was forward, salon seating area was aft.

Exactly, all one room. Been on that boat diving many times.
Good operation overall. Perfect? no. none ever are.

 

[rrrr]

USCG regs state that when the berthing area is occupied and the vessel's crew is not up, there shall be a designated Roving Patrol Watchman. I read many mentions of other safety and manning issues in this NTSB report, but not one mention of the RP. If it's there, perhaps I missed it.

I found the mentions of a roving watchman. It's in paragraph 4.8.2 of the Operations - Group Chairman's Factual Report.

It is mentioned again in the Survival Aspect Group's report on Page 37.

 

[stephenkatsea]

I found the mentions of a roving watchman. It's in paragraph 4.8.2 of the Operations - Group Chairman's Factual Report.

It is mentioned again in the Survival Aspect Group's report on Page 37.

Thanks. Good find. "A crew member sleeping among the passengers in the berthing space" is not going to suffice as a the CG required Roving Patrol. A RP should have also been on watch when the passengers boarded the night before departure and occupied the berthing space.

Having been in that type of operation, I doubt if proper log book entries were made pertaining to watches and drills. Once you move up a step to larger vessels, proper log book entries are the norm. There's an old Navy term, "Gun Decking". Meaning log book entries were made, but the particular action was never actually conducted. Not Good and typically followed by serious charges and penalties. Log book entries, if they occurred, do not pertain to this incident, since the vessel's logs were destroyed in the fire.

 

[rrrr]

. Once you move up a step to larger vessels, proper log book entries are the norm. There's an old Navy term, "Gun Decking". Meaning log book entries were made, but the particular action was never actually conducted.

It's funny you say that...my favorite book is The Caine Mutiny, written by Herman Wouk. It's about a WWII rundown minesweeper, whose captain is named Queeg.

When Queeg steams over his own towline and loses a shell target off Oahu because he's bitching out a Yeoman for having his shirttail out, Queeg is ordered to make a report to the Operations Officer at Pearl.

The LTCDR looks over the report, tosses it on his desk, and says "This is nothing more than a phony gun deck job".

Wouk also wrote The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, which were made into a 16 hour ABC miniseries in the 70s. Maybe some of you remember that.

 

[JB in so cal]

I think that stephenkatsea guy knows his shit!

 

[rrrr]

Log book entries, if they occurred, do not pertain to this incident, since the vessel's logs were destroyed in the fire.

Somewhere in the docket it's mentioned the owner claimed certain required duties and tasks were recorded in the logs, which were, of course, destroyed.

 

[rrrr]

Was it the galley hand that plugged his phone in and watched it spark, then went to bed? Did he leave it plugged in? Kind of odd.

That happened on a trip in 2018, and was mentioned in interviews of two crewmen. It was unrelated to the September 2019 fire.

 

[stephenkatsea]

I think that stephenkatsea guy knows his shit!

Not according to his wife!!! Lol!

 

[Taboma]

It's funny you say that...my favorite book is The Caine Mutiny, written by Herman Wouk. It's about a WWII rundown minesweeper, whose captain is named Queeg.

When Queeg steams over his own towline and loses a shell target off Oahu because he's bitching out a Yeoman for having his shirttail out, Queeg is ordered to make a report to the Operations Officer at Pearl.

The LTCDR looks over the report and says "This is nothing more than a phony gun deck job".

Wouk also wrote The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, which were made into a 16 hour ABC miniseries in the 70s. Maybe some of you remember that.

Didn't Queeg have some steel ball bearings he as was always rolling around in his hand ?

 

[rrrr]

Didn't Queeg have some steel ball bearings he as was always rolling around in his hand ?

Yep. He was a paranoid psychotic. Everyone was out to get him.

 

[JB in so cal]

Didn't Queeg have some steel ball bearings he as was always rolling around in his hand ?

and those fucking strawberries....

 

[Taboma]

and those fucking strawberries....

Forgot about the strawberries

 

[rrrr]

I am positive no one was locked into any where on the boat. That was the ridiculous response from the CG radio operator. The exits from the bunk area of the Conception go into the galley. There would have been an additional escape hatch. No doors were locked.

NTSB docket indicates the captain said 'blocked', not 'locked'.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Didn't Queeg have some steel ball bearings he as was always rolling around in his hand ?

That was the Captain in "Mr. Roberts".