Captain Jerry Boylan Convicted in Deadly Boat Fire

0:00A federal appeals court just shut down Captain Jerry Boilin's last shot at dodging prison after his conviction in the deadliest bow fire in modern, California history. Back in 2019, over Labor Day weekend, flames tore through the conception dive boat near the Channel Islands, killing 34. People 33 passengers and one crew member trapped below deck. Boilin, a 72-year-old captain with decades on the water, got four years in federal prison back in May 2024 for manslaughter. He skipped proper safety drills and left no overnight watch, breaking clear rules posted right in his wheelhouse, which left the crew scrambling win. The fire hit around 2.35 am. Prosecutors nailed him on gross negligence after Jerry convicted him in late 2023, saying his laps has turned a bad situation deadly. Boilin's team appealed, claiming the judge muddied the legal bar by mentioning misconduct alongside negligence, but a night's circuit panel shot that. Down Thursday, calling the evidence against him overwhelming.

1:03Families of the victims, like the parents of one passenger, feel relieved now, saying it's time Boilin faces real accountability after staying free. This whole time, the judge even noted Boilin seemed truly sorry at sentencing, calling it one tough call. With no full court review coming, Boilin's headed to prison soon, a stark reminder that captains answer for every life on board, local news, powered by AI. This is California News Today, I'm Corey with the story.