Santa Monica Mourns Residents Killed In Boat Fire

SANTA MONICA, CA — Two Santa Monica residents were identified as victims of the tragic diving boat fire near Santa Cruz Island that killed 34 people, it was announced Tuesday.

Acquaintances posted online tributes to the duo — Marybeth Guiney and Charles McIlvain — who were both diving enthusiasts and lived in the same condominium complex in Santa Monica. The pair was among nearly three dozen people trapped aboard the Conception when it caught fire and sank early Monday morning.

McIlvain, according to his Facebook page, worked as a visual effectsdesigner for Walt Disney Imagineering. His wife, filmmaker Jasmine Lord, wasnot with him on Conception dive boat. Her online posts indicated she was working over the weekend in Miami — in the path of Hurricane Dorian.

His friends poured their hearts out online, calling him one of "the kindest, funniest people you'll every meet." Shari Bee, a co-worker of McIlvain's, said he was a great guy and well-loved in a tribute on Facebook.

"I'm crying looking at these photos," she wrote. "I'm so sorry this happened to you, Chuck. My condolences to his loved ones. Rest in peace."

Read more: California Boat Fire: 34 Presumed Dead, Rescue Suspended

Guiney, a sales director and ocean enthusiast who was dedicated to the protection of sharks and other sea life, was hailed by friends as an outgoing person who always had a smile.

"I was — we all were — blessed that our paths crossed, and so appreciate the unsolicited kindness she shared with my friends and family in a remote corner of the world," a friend of Guiney's wrote on Facebook.

The Conception departed Saturday morning and was scheduled to return Tuesday morning, Brown said.

A shrine of candles and flowers appeared on the Santa Barbara dock where the Conception was scheduled to return. A pair of blue fins were placed at the memorial with the message "We love you Conception," written on them.

The environmental group Heal the Bay plans to hold a community gathering in honor of the victims of the fire at 6 p.m. Thursday at Heal the Bay’s aquarium beneath the Santa Monica Pier.

Only five crew members are believed to have survived the fire, which erupted around 3:15 a.m. Monday. There were 34 other people aboard. As of Tuesday morning, 20 bodies had been recovered, and four to six more were spotted inside the sunken wreckage. The rest are presumed dead although their bodies have not been found.

The Coast Guard said family members looking for information about their loved ones should call 833-688-5551 or 800-400-1572. A Family Assistance Center was set up at Earl Warren Fair Grounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara.

City News Service contributed to this post