The NTSB also faulted the Coast Guard for not enforcing that requirement and recommended it develop a program to ensure boats with overnight passengers actually have the watchman. Board member Jennifer Homendy, who traveled to Santa Barbara in 2019 and toured a sister ship of the Conception, blasted Boylan and the owners, Truth Aquatics, during a virtual hearing on the investigation findings. Before the disaster, Boylan and Truth Aquatics enjoyed a good reputation with customers and the Santa Barbara boating community. Attorneys for Boylan and Truth Aquatics did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The families of 32 victims have filed claims against the boat owners, Glen and Dana Fritzler, and Truth Aquatics.

Source: ABC News October 20, 2020 07:52 UTC