LOS ANGELES (NEWSnet) — A scuba dive boat captain was convicted Monday of criminal negligence in the deaths of 34 people killed in a fire aboard the vessel in 2019, the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history.

Jerry Boylan, 69, was found guilty of one count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer following a 10-day trial. The charge is a pre-Civil War statute colloquially known as seaman’s manslaughter that was designed to hold steamboat captains and crew responsible for maritime disasters.

Boylan is the only person to face criminal charges connected to the fire.

Boylan was the first to abandon ship and jump overboard. Four crew members who joined him also survived.

He could get 10 years behind bars when he’s sentenced Feb. 8, though he can appeal.

The verdict comes more than four years after the Sept. 2, 2019, tragedy.

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