Anonymous
(Photo: US Coast Guard)
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Salvage efforts to recover the Conception were suspended yesterday afternoon as winds, swells and currents increased Friday afternoon. This weather pattern is expected to remain through the weekend.
The owner of the Conception contracted Global Diving and Salvage to conduct the salvage operation and the Coast Guard continues to oversee the implementation of the salvage plan. The process is slow and deliberate, to ensure the safety of those involved, as well as maintain the integrity of the vessel and mitigate environmental concerns.
At the time the salvage efforts were suspended, the vessel had been up-righted, but remains underwater. The vessel has been secured underwater, where it will remain until salvage operations resume, which is expected to be early next week.
The search and recovery efforts for the last missing person have also been suspended due to the unfavorable conditions. Search efforts are expected to resume at the same time salvage operations resume, with the recovery of the missing victim remaining a top priority.
The Coast Guard Cutter Halibut is at Santa Cruz Island, maintaining the security of the site and enforcing the one-mile safety zone.
Environmental concerns will be mitigated in coordination with National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and California Office of Spill Prevention and Response.
