SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Salvage efforts to recover the Conception continue to be suspended and officials say that the cause of death to the 34 victims was most likely smoke inhalation.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office confirmed that the recovery efforts still can not proceed due to high winds and swells. This weather pattern is said to remain throughout the weekend. Which means so many unanswered questions will have to wait as people try to begin the healing process.
Thousands have come from near and far to pay tribute to the many lives lost at the Lost At Sea Memorial at the Santa Barbara Harbor.
"It's hard to breathe and to understand the families are missing," said a German woman named Irina Darelli who came to honor the victims.
The Lost at Sea Memorial continues to grow as does the questions as to what happens now.
Lorri Skolak is an avid diver, has dived with the Conception dive operators Truth Aquatic many times.
"When we find out what exactly happened, I think there will be changes made to the dive boat industry that will make sure it never happens again. It's never been a situation that we had to give extra thought to because they have always had the best reputation," said Skolak.
The boat remains are still underwater, however, salvage crews have secured it in place.
"We just came out to say a prayer for them, we just wanted to come show our love and respect," said Lost at Sea Memorial visitor Juan Ruelas.
23 of the deceased victims have been identified by DNA technologies.
Officials believe smoke inhalation was the original cause of death, however, the investigation is still in pursuit of answers.
"Knowing that maybe it was a silent killer maybe that does give me some comfort," said Ruelas.
Officials plan to release more names of the 34 victims later this week.
