Year in Photos 2019: Conception
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Unimaginable tragedy struck September 2, when the 'Conception' dive boat caught fire off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, killing all 33 of its passengers and a crew member.
Photo: Ventura County FIre Department

The disaster, one of the worst in modern maritime history, drew an outpouring of grief and support from Santa Barbara and beyond. A large memorial formed along Sea Landing, the 'Conception'’s home port. Hundreds turned out for a September 6 memorial service at Chase Palm Park, where representatives presented a wreath, and diving patriarch Don Barthelmess addressed the crowd.
Photo: Paul Wellman

A large memorial formed along Sea Landing, the 'Conception'’s home port. Hundreds turned out for a September 6 memorial service at Chase Palm Park, where representatives presented a wreath, and diving patriarch Don Barthelmess addressed the crowd.
Photo: Paul Wellman

A large memorial formed along Sea Landing, the 'Conception'’s home port. Hundreds turned out for a September 6 memorial service at Chase Palm Park, where representatives presented a wreath, and diving patriarch Don Barthelmess addressed the crowd.
Photo: Paul Wellman

A large memorial formed along Sea Landing, the 'Conception'’s home port. Hundreds turned out for a September 6 memorial service at Chase Palm Park, where representatives presented a wreath, and diving patriarch Don Barthelmess addressed the crowd.
Photo: Paul Wellman

Nearby, flowers were laid at the Castilian Dolphin Memorial.
Photo: Evelyn Spence