Search for California boat fire victims suspended

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. authorities have suspended the search for any survivors in Monday's boat fire in California.

In a press conference, Coast Guard Capt. Monica Rochester said that as of 9:40 a.m. (1640GMT), Coast Guard has suspended search efforts.

"It is never an easy decision," Rochester said.

At least 25 people were killed and nine others are still missing after a fire broke out on a boat off Santa Cruz Island.

The fire was reported at 3:15 a.m. local time (1015GMT) on Monday.

The 75-foot (23-meter) Conception was carrying 33 passengers and 6 crew members reportedly for a Labor Day weekend cruise taking divers to the Channel Islands.

Officials said that only five of the crew who were sleeping on the top deck managed to escape by jumping off and taking a small boat to safety.

It remains unclear what started the fire.