Former Dive Boat Captain Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
A federal judge handed down a four-year prison sentence to former dive boat captain Jerry Nehl Boylan on Thursday for negligence leading to the deaths of 34 people in a 2019 fire aboard his vessel.
Conviction and Tragic Incident
Boylan, convicted in 2023 of seaman’s manslaughter, faced a maximum sentence of 10 years. The fire occurred on Labor Day near Santa Cruz Island, claiming the lives of 33 passengers and one crew member.
Failure to Act and Tragic Consequences
Prosecutors argued that Boylan failed to respond adequately to the fire, neglecting fire drills, crew training, and setting a night watch. His actions, they contended, could have prevented the tragedy.
Victims’ Families Speak Out
Relatives of the victims expressed a mix of relief over the conviction and disappointment in the sentencing length. Susana Solano Rosas, who lost three daughters in the fire, voiced her disillusionment with the justice system.
Boat Owner’s Response and Investigation
Boylan’s attorney did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. In 2019, the boat’s owner, Truth Aquatics, claimed a crew member had checked the area where the fire started. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cited cell phones and batteries left charging overnight as potential causes.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Boylan brings a measure of closure to a tragic incident that shocked the nation. While some find solace in the verdict, others question the adequacy of the punishment in the face of such devastating loss.
