The US Coastguard has deployed multiple crews to tackle the blaze, which is on a 75-foot ship.
The Coastguard said on Twitter: “The Coast Guard has launched multiple rescue assets along with assets from local agencies to assist more than 30 people in distress on a 75ft boat near Santa Cruz Island.”
Jen Buesinger Sperry, a reporter with Good Day LA, said it was a “mass fatality” incident.
She said: “34 fatalities per Ventura County Fire.”
KTLA news website is also reporting 34 fatalities.
Five people are believed to have been rescued from the boat, with 30 or more unaccounted for.
The fire has not yet been extinguished.
This is a breaking story, more to follow…
source: express.co.uk