The people who perished on a dive boat that was consumed in flames off the California coast on Labor Day likely died from smoke inhalation, not burns, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said Friday.
The 34 people feared dead in a California dive boat fire likely got trapped when the roaring blaze blocked their escape routes and confined them to the lower sleeping deck, authorities said.
It was touted as a "warrior," a 75-foot ship that gave ocean tourists speed, comfort and all the amenities they need.
Five family members are among those feared dead after a raging inferno tore through a diving boat off the Southern California coast.
The US Coast Guard on Tuesday suspended the search for victims of a deadly Labor Day boat fire off the California coast, officials said.
