Kristy Finstad, a 41-year-old marine biologist and diving instructor, was among 39 people aboard a dive boat that burst into flames early Monday morning near Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of Southern California. The other 34 people on board, including Finstad, apparently became trapped in the sleeping
Kristy Finstad, a 41-year-old marine biologist and diving instructor, was among 39 people aboard a dive boat that burst into flames early Monday morning near Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of Southern California.
The U.S. Coast Guard called off the search for possible survivors on Tuesday, after the charred boat sank in 65 feet of water and overturned. The remains of at least 20 victims have been recovered so far and autopsies have not yet started, according to the sheriff's office. Finstad's family are among those still waiting for confirmation on the fate of their loved ones.
Finstad was the co-owner of Worldwide Diving Adventures, her family's Santa Cruz-based scuba diving company that chartered the ill-fated ship. She was the divemaster on that excursion, according to her brother, who described her diving experience and knowledge as"incredible." A biography for Finstad on the company's website says her first dive was as a toddler, tucked under her father's arm, in the waters surrounding California's Channel Islands.
Harmeling described his sister as"skilled, intuitive, vibrant, loving," and"compassionate." He said he finds comfort knowing that,"no matter what happened," she lived"a really deep and rich life."
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