The operators of the ill-fated diving boat, Conception, in the United States have filed a pre-emptive lawsuit to protect their company from having to pay massive damages, as the family of Singaporean victim Tan Wei told The Straits Times that they would pursue legal action if necessary.

The lawsuit was filed last Thursday at the US District Court in Los Angeles, on behalf of boat operators Glen and Dana Fritzler, before the US authorities launched a criminal investigation into the fire and issued search warrants on Sunday at the company, Truth Aquatics.