DEM cops looking for witnesses to nearby fatal crash

They are asking anyone with information on fatal September 22 crash to come forward.

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement would like to speak with anyone who has pertinent information or video related to a fatal boating collision that occurred last month in the waters off Westerly near Napatree Point.

On September 22, 2015, environmental police officers from DEM's Division of Law Enforcement responded to the Napatree Point area to investigate the boating collision. Walter S. Krupinski, age 81, of Stonington, CT sustained fatal injuries when his 23-foot, 1989 Steiger Craft came into contact with a 60-foot, 2016 Viking Princess 60 Yacht.


The Viking Princess 60 is owned by Viking Sport Cruisers of New Gretna, NJ. The vessel was on display at the Newport Boat Show prior to the fatal collision, and was en route to Old Saybrook, CT for another boat show at the time of the collision. The Viking Princess 60 was being transported by a hired captain, Cooper W. Bacon, age 76, of Cape May Court House, NJ with a first mate, William L. Noe, III, age 73, of Woodbine, NJ.

The incident continues to be actively investigated by DEM's Division of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Westerly Police Department. Any persons with information, photos or video of the incident who have not already been in contact with investigators are asked to contact DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at (401)222-3070.