Coast Guard issues warning on charging phone batteries after California boat fire – USA TODAY, USA Today

The Coast Guard has issued a safety bulletin following theCalifornia boat fire that killed 34 people, recommending commercial boat operators limit unsupervised charging of cellphones and other electronics.

A preliminary report on the Labor Day fire that destroyed the Conception near Santa Cruz Island could be issued as soon as Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board said. The cause of the fire likely won’t be addressed, but NTSB members have said that how batteries and electronics were stored and charged on the boat was being scrutinized.

The Coast Guard said it has convened a Marine Board of Investigation to determine the cause of the blaze. But the bulletin noted that it does not have to await the board’s findings before taking “immediate and positive” action.

“In some instances, our marine casualty boards identify pressing safety issues related to vessel stability, the engine room, or lifesaving and firefighting equipment, ”said Capt. Jason Neubauer, chair of the Marine Board of Investigation. “In those instances, we issue safety alerts or bulletins.”

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The recommendations included ensuring that all required firefighting and safety equipment is on the boat and operational, that emergency escapes are clearly recognizable and functional, and that crew members understand their roles.

Boat operators also should “reduce potential fire hazards and consider limiting the unsupervised charging of lithium-ion batteries and extensive use of power strips and extension cords, “the bulletin said.

The Coast Guard Investigative Service, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are supporting a Department of Justicecriminal investigation, the Coast Guar d **.

Dan Salas, the CEO and owner of Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach, California, told theLos Angeles Timesthe Coast Guard’s closely scrutinized firefighting equipment and emergency access on his seven ships during annual safety inspections this week He said he fully supports the Coast Guard efforts.

A total of 39 people were aboard the boat for a holiday weekend diving expedition. The Concepcion was at anchor when the fire started overnight. Five crew members who were on the deck fled and were rescued. The victims, ranging in age from 16 to 62, apparently died from smoke inhalation, authorities have said.

Diversfound the body of the last victimWednesday.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said the sleeping compartment was on the bottom deck of the ship and that the passengers likely were asleep when the fire started.

“This is probably the worst-case scenario you could possibly have, “Brown said that day. “You have a vessel that’s on the open sea in the middle of the night. Fire is the scourge of any ship. … You couldn’t ask for a worse situation. ”

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