Rob Lowe says he’s been on California dive boat the Conception ‘many times’ — as death toll climbs after fire – Yahoo Entertainment

Rob Lowe’s heart hurts for the victims in the California dive boat fire — a boat he’s “been on many times.”

The Parks and Recreation actor spoke out about Monday morning’s tragedy when a fire broke out on the 75-foot commercial vessel called the Conception off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, which is north of Los Angeles. The boat was carrying 33 passengers and six crew members — the majority of whom were sleeping below deck. The remains of approximately 25 people have been recovered while nine people are still unaccounted for, the Associated Press reported. Five crew members, who were above deck and awake when the fire broke out, jumped off the boat and were rescued by a nearby boat.

Lowe wrote that his “heart breaks” for those on board. He described it as “an unspeakable horror on a boat I’ve been on many times.”

The Conception was based in Santa Barbara Harbor and owned by Truth Aquatics, a local company founded in 1974. A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard said that the boat was in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Passengers were on a three-day $665 diving excursion to explore San Miguel Island. It was due back on Monday evening.

Lowe has long been a Santa Barbara resident — his Montecito estate is currently on the market — and it’s where he and his wife raised their two sons. The actor and his sons have logged many hours diving and fishing together.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

• Justin Bieber opens up about using ‘heavy drugs’ and abusing past relationships in candid Instagram post

• ‘Teen Mom OG’ stars reunite with daughter’s adoptive parents in rare TV appearance

• Anderson Cooper’s beard gets mocked by Conan O’Brien and Twitter

Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle’s newsletter.