Dive Boat Victims Include PCS Students and Parents

Henry Madsen, Editor

On Monday, September 2nd, the diving boat “Conception” caught fire and sank in Platts Harbor off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Among the lives lost on the ship were two students and two parents who were a part of the PCS community. Seniors Tia Salika and Berenice Felipe, were celebrating Tia’s 17th birthday with her parents, Steve Salika and Diana Adamic, at the time of the tragedy. 

Tia and Berenice had attended PCS since the 7th grade. Additionally, both Steve and Diana were very involved in student and faculty life here at PCS. Diana was a frequent parent volunteer, serving on school committees, and helped organize major events such as the PCS Spotlight night and the Capstone Symposium.

PCS Head of School Maria Reitano released an official school statement on September 3rd:  “Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the victims and those missing, particularly those of our students and parents on board . . . Our faculty and staff have been amazingly present for our students, creating space and flexibility for those most affected to mourn, to gather, and to express their feelings about this tragic event.”

In the midst of this great loss and tragedy, those close to Tia, Berenice, Steve, and Diana, as well as the entire PCS community, mourn their loss.