Eight people were killed and at least 26 others are missing after a boat caught fire and sank off southern California on Monday morning, authorities said.
The fire broke out when the 20-meter diving boat was at anchor near Santa Cruz Island off Los Angeles.
The bodies of four victims were recovered by the local coast guard.
The vessel sank while the crew of a local coast guard vessel attempted to extinguish the fire. Most aboard were sleeping below deck when the blaze began.
Five crewmembers who jumped off the boat after the fire were rescued.
The boat was scheduled to return to Santa Barbara on Monday after a three-day trip.
KYODO NEWS
