Anonymous
Source: Office of Senator Diane Feinstein
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the deadly boat fire off Santa Cruz Island near Ventura, Calif.:
“It’s inconceivable that with all the safety regulations we have in place today, a fire on a boat can lead to the loss of life we saw this morning near Santa Cruz Island.
“We need an immediate and robust interagency investigation. The Coast Guard, along with officials from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, are already hard at work. Once personnel from the NTSB and FBI join the effort tomorrow, we must learn as much as possible about how this happened and how future tragedies can be prevented.
“We need to know whether all applicable safety regulations were being followed and whether additional regulations need to be applied, particularly regulations concerning boats that accommodate overnight passengers.
“We must know what fire-suppression systems and other emergency equipment are in place on these boats and whether they were in working order on the Conception.
“And we need to understand exactly how the crew was trained and, if they were awake and above-deck, why they were unable to alert or help rescue passengers.
“A tragedy of this nature is simply unimaginable, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved. My thanks to the Coast Guard and local first responders for their diligence. Hopefully the lessons learned from this disaster will ensure that no more lives are needlessly lost.”
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September 2, 2019: Four Bodies Recovered, 30 Still Missing in Boat Fire
Of course it should be investigated. Questions should be asked. Why did the City of Santa Barbara give a business permit to Truth Aquatics when the city knew there was only one, very narrow, escape route out of the boat’s bunk/sleeping area? Was propane used to cook food onboard the boat? Did the city inspect the galley area for safe conditions? Don’t rush to criticize people for asking questions like these, since they are the very questions the victim’s families will be asking.
Why would she demand an investigation when the investigations are already underway?
After her lengthy career she finally gets something g right. “It’s inconceivable that with all the safety regulations we have in place today, a fire on a boat can lead to the loss of life we saw this morning near Santa Cruz Island.”
Thank you Senator Feinstein for your leadership.
Do you have any direct knowledge of the incident? I do. The vessel maintained the equipment required by the coast guard in their previous inspections, which are frequent.
Inconceivable? Hardly.
Here comes all the political grandstanding after a tragic accident- Classic and sad.
We are with heavy hearts. Looking for family, friends, stranger and maybe an enemy or two :). Now is not the time for the shoulda, coulda woulda and gunna. Get out from behind your desk and grab a bucket.
Politicians! Can’t even wait 12 hours for a photo op.
If the passengers were below deck where do you believe extra escapes should have been? Out of portholes? There would naturally be a full investigation without political intervention. Such a sad event doesn’t need grandstanding and critics who know nothing of what happened or how fast the fire exploded.
What a grandstanding windbag! An investigation will happen regardless of her worthless virtue signaling. Go do something worthwhile, Feinstein!
Tasteless politician that can’t even respect the fact the community and families are deep in trauma right now. No need for her to do anything as the experts are already taking care of it. Unbelievably insensitive of her and her staff. This old type of politics is antiquated, selfish, insensitive and incompetent. She is So out of touch with incident protocols. She’s no expert at anything but keeping her and her staff employeed thru desperate PR tactics. We have an incredible incident command in place in the county and they are well trained for this disaster. There was much learned from the FEMA disaster. The Sheriff has a really tough job so supporting him with light and prayers and the entire incident team is important. and, they are a team that cares deeply and grieves. Being on the front lines in an authentic honorable way. Unlike this politician.
Politicians are always asked what their thoughts are on tragic events. How much more outraged would whiners be if she said “no comment?”
From SFGate: Allegedly Coast Guard requires a generator and electric stoves for any passenger boats; not propane. There were allegedly also two exits. From SFGate: ……….”I was recently on this boat – earlier this summer.
A comprehensive safety briefing was conducted by the captain and all passengers aboard were required to be present. The captain shared the procedure for deploying life boats, basic emergency radio operation, the location of life jackets, and the location of two bunk room exits – a stairay towards the bow and an escape hatch near the stern of the boat. The briefing also discussed the alarms on board, underwater alarms, and location of fire extinguishers. It was done within the galley at the site of the emergency escape hatch, a roughly two-feet by two-feet square plank of wood with no lock or latch on it that leads to the bunks below…..”
I’m all for an investigation also too many rumors flying around.
California is one of the most heavily regulated states in the nation, yet a tragedy like this can happen. What may have been lacking was common sense, not the correct layer of government regulation. I feel so badly for the deaths and the families who will have empty spots at the tables at the holidays just around the corner. I also feel badly for the crew members who were helpless and had to abandon ship knowing those in their care could not be saved. This tragedy needs an extended moment of silence before the politicians start tooting their own self righteous horns.
It’s been explained to me that having Sen. Feinstein calling for an investigation will bring in Federal dollars for the cost to the Coast Guard, local Sheriff’s Department and others doing the investigating. Needless to say the cost will be huge. It was explained that the same holds true when a Governor declares a “disaster area” after a fire, tornado, or hurricane. It’s like “duh”, of course it’s a disaster area, but saying so brings in the Federal dollars.
Do-nothing Feinstein casting aspersions. Calling for an investigation. Gee, really, Dianne, you think there should be an investigation by the Coast Guard to find out what happened to the boat? Wow, I never would have thought of that. Brilliant idea!
While you’re correct about an official disaster declaration, I don’t believe that is the case for “calling for” an investigation. but I could be wrong.
At nearly 90 years of age, Feinstein runs circles around nearly all other lawmakers in DC. When she speaks, things get done. She does not fool around and gets down to biz. Some may want the AOCs running the show, but give me 20 Feinstein’s any day.
There’s s concept in law called “res ipsa loquitur”- the thing speaks for itself. I don’t care who or what you know, this is a third world type of accident. For sure maintenance or procedures led to this incident, unless we get a video of a meteorite hitting the ship or sabotage.
Since the Senate runs on seniority, technically you’re correct. She is a powerhouse. But at close to 90, she is 10-15 years past when she should have retired. Mandatory retirement at age 75 should be required for all politicians, especially the US Senate. There is no way that she understands today and tomorrow’s issues or is in-tune with the wishes and the interests of the young, let alone the majority. She and many other elderly politicians, management and power brokers are just not equipped to deal with the nuances of modern life. Its time for them to do the right thing and retire.
You know nothing about boats. Quit while you’re behind.
SB Observer. Bernie Sanders is a perfect example.
An investigation was started as soon as they got the fire out, I’m sure. No politician needed to do anything except offer condolences to family, friends, and coworkers.
Simply extending condolences would have been plenty. Investigation was already standard procedure.
“D-China”… classic!!!!
The Senator’s statement is the correct one. Regardless of how well the boat followed CG regulations, sometimes additional oversight is needed. This kind of swift response from government is what victims’ families will be looking for; at least it is what I’d look for in their position. Not the usual accident investigation with no follow through.
that picture is probably 20 years old
Or more. So are all the pictures of authors on book covers, celebrities, politicians, most professional people on their home pages and so on. On the few occasions when I have seen them, I’m not shocked. It’s pretty standard.
As usual, a rational reply! BTW, about your multiple accounts being ‘flagged’ by a nutcase: I consider my 2 or 3 always-downvote followers a compliment: Nobody gets more worked up than emotional fanatics when they are confronted with facts or even other people’s opinions.
I lived in San Francisco when Harvey Milk was killed. Senator Feinstein was mayor then, and I recall her courage and stable approach. I liked her then, and she’s done nothing to make me change my opinion. She is right, she is smart, she is experienced, she is our representative; an investigation — that she is confident in — is important. I believe she is right.
she is a swamp creature!
Votes unfortunately… , a politicians number #1 priority: their constituents? no… getting reelected? of course!
Sen. Feinstein (D-China), calls for investigation after boat fire. Investigation will happened with or without her “call”. It’s a standard procedure. But “Never let a serious crisis go to waste”.
Senator Feinstein will listen to testimony and decide if new regulations should be recommended. She wants you to be safe, always. Trust in her experience.
Realtors use their prom photos 🙂
Well said.
They we’re going to to conduct an investigation before she even said anything. What I want is an investigation into why they are using her photo from 20 years years ago.
The boat was in full compliance with Coast Guard regulations. Had great reviews. The captain had been with them since the 80s. The company has been in business since 1974.and has won awards including this year’s California Scuba Service Award. They have served many educational institutions as well. Captain Jerry Boylan was hired on with Truth Aquatics in 1983 and received his captains license in 1985. This is not a slip shop operation with dicey employees. I have never been on the boat, nor do I know how to dive but I have read many multiple sites before I posted. Back off Diane we got this!
“When a dog is running towards you, call him”. Feinstein’s version of calling the dog. Thanks Senator ‘Obvious.
Well of course it’s going to be investigated.
I am in complete agreement with the many comments here that this is nothing but political grandstanding and using a disaster to get her face in the news. What is she thinking? Of course there will be investigations, many from different agencies that began the moment the tragedy was reported, and many more to follow. Most of her comments regarding safety features, crew training, etc., demonstrates that she knows virtually nothing about maritime safety and how these boats are fastidiously maintained and regulated. Didn’t take long to turn this horrific tragedy into something political, did it? I wouldn’t be surprised if Beto and his cohorts join in soon.
Sad that a political minority takes over the only public S B comment board, especially at a time like this.
Words for the day: TERM LIMITS
Grandstanding a disaster. Shame on her.
Craven politicians, like Salud and Hannah Beth posing uselessly behind Bill Brown at the first press conference. Anything to get some press, while they have nothing to offer, and no business meddling in the investigation that is already mandated by umpteen state, local and federal laws. Dianne, Salud and Hannah Beth just need to bow out and let the professionals do their jobs. Horning in is just, well, tacky.
Harvey Milk was killed over 50 years ago so what has she done lately.
Harvey Milk was assassinated in fall of 1978, the year I moved to SB from SF. 41 years ago.
Amen. From block party to echo chamber. sad.
The picture, with a big smile, is not imho appropriate. Did the Senator’s press liason provide it with the press release regarding the fire investigation, or is it a file photo selected by the publisher?