It is reported by the Associated Press with reference to the US Coast Guard.
“We should all be prepared for the worst case scenario,” warned US Coast Guard captain Monica Rochester.
According to the agency, five crew members were on the upper deck at the time of the fire and escaped by jumping into the water.
All 34 passengers were indoors under the deck.
According to some reports, on board the ship were lovers of diving and sea fishing, who went on a three-day cruise.
It was previously reported that rescuers found the bodies of eight victims of the disaster.
Conception sank about 18 meters off the north coast of Santa Cruz.