Five years ago this coming Labor Day—Monday, September 2, 2024—America awoke to the tragic news of California’s worst maritime disaster in modern history. The dive boat M/V Conception had caught fire just offshore from Santa Cruz Island, California. Haunting images of the boat engulfed in flames were televised internationally along with the captain’s frantic 3:15 AM call: “Mayday, mayday, mayday! Thirty-nine P.O.B…I can’t breathe!” Shortly after sunrise, the Coast Guard, firefighters, and first responders confirmed there were thirty-four lives lost and five surviving crew.

On this 5th Labor Day anniversary, a month from now, Santa Barbara and Ventura County sheriffs; search and rescue; first responders; firefighters; medical personnel; an FBI investigator; family members, friends and others interested will gather to remember and honor them and their adventuresome spirit – the Island spirit – with the unveiling of a Conceptionpropeller monument set in the Courtyard Garden of the Chrisman California Islands Center.

The Santa Cruz Island Foundation is excited to invite members and enthusiasts to the ALL 8 CLUB 30th Anniversary BBQ. If you have been, or have an interest in becoming an ‘all-eighter’—someone who has visited all eight of the California Channel Islands—this event is for you. Join us on Sunday, August 25, from 11 AM to 2 PM for a day of celebration, camaraderie, and great food.

CCIC will be closed for the 4th of July holiday. The Center will be open for normal hours of operation on July 5th.