Victims Identified After 2 Die In Greenwich Bay Sailboat Accident

WARWICK, RI — Two people were pronounced dead Wednesday after the boat they were in sunk in Greenwich Bay in Warwick.

Authorities from the Department of Environmental Management said the 23-foot sailboat took on water and sunk late Wednesday afternoon. Its two passengers were found unresponsive by the Marine Task Force and brought to the Oakland Beach Boat Ramp.

The victims, 62-year-old Robert Puchta and 66-year-old Luann Cole, both of Warwick, were both pronounced dead.

The sailboat had not been recovered as of Thursday morning. Authorities said a crew of several boats and a dive team from Warwick Fire Department continued to search for the vessel.

Rhode Island Environmental Police — along with fire and police officials in Warwick — continue to investigate the deadly incident.

Lt. Michael Schipritt, of the Environmental Police, told ABC6 the temperature of the water in the bay could have been a factor in the boaters' deaths.

“It’s too early to determine, but that is a factor in a lot of these cases. It’s 65 degrees out today. It seems very warm. The water is still 50 degrees,” he said.

He also urged boaters to stay vigilant when hitting the water.

“Unfortunately, things like this happen early in the season. Check your boats before you put them in the water. Make sure they’re structurally sound, make sure they’re ready to go. Make sure you’re wearing life jackets, all your safety equipment is checked out,” Schipritt told the news outlet.