Happening Now: 34 Unaccounted For In Charter Boat Fire Off Ventura Co. Coast; Officials Confirm Fata

Five people were rescued and 34 more are missing after a fire broke out on a boat early Monday morning near Santa Cruz Island, off the Ventura County coastline. Authorities confirm there are fatalities, although the exact number is unknown.

A boat burns near Santa Cruz Island. Sept. 2, 2019. (Ventura County Fire Department)

Just before 3:30 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard and Ventura County Fire Department crews responded to a report that a 75-foot-long charter dive boat was ablaze on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, which is located about 30 miles west of the city of Ventura.

Five people were rescued,Ventura County Fire Capt. Brian McGrath told CBS2, while 34 remain unaccounted for. There are fatalities, although the exact number is unknown, McGrath said.

The Coast Guard was checking to see if any survivors had jumped off the boat or made it to the rocks. Crews were still fighting flames on the boat as of 6:30 a.m., the fire department said.

The Coast Guard reported on Twitter that boat crew members had been rescued, one of whom had minor injuries, and “efforts were underway to evacuate remaining passengers.”

CBS2 has confirmed the boat is named “Conception” and belongs to Truth Aquatics, a boat rental service based out of Santa Barbara. According to its website, the boat has a maximum capacity of 46 people. The company would not comment on the incident when reached by CBS2.

No further details were confirmed.