Over 30 'in distress' as boat catches fire off California

Authorities say group of crew members rescued, efforts continue to evacuate remaining passengers

LOS ANGELES: The US Coast Guard (USCG) was scrambling on Monday to rescue more than 30 people 'in distress' after a boat caught fire off the California coast.

"A group of crew members has been rescued (one with minor injuries) and efforts continue to evacuate the remaining passengers," the Coast Guard tweeted.

California tightens restrictions on police use of lethal force

"The vessel was reported as being on fire," it said.

BREAKING NEWS: 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. More details will be available later as this operation continues.

— USCG Southern California (@USCGSoCal) September 2, 2019

It said it had deployed "multiple rescue assets along with assets from local agencies" to assist those still trapped on the 75-foot (22-metre) boat, near Santa Cruz Island off the coast from Los Angeles.