Posted by on December 23, 2004 at 09:16:48:
The Mendocino County Sheriffs Office reports searchers have not located a 56-year-old San Francisco diver, who was reported missing Nov. 28 off Van Damme State Park. Dr. William Krupski, a surgeon at San Franciscos Kaiser Permanente Hospital, and a professor at UC San Francisco, disappeared while diving for abalone with his wife.
According to Sheriffs Office reports, Krupski and his wife had been abalone diving at Van Damme State Park when they became separated. Divers were able to locate Krupskis abalone iron and gauge, but nothing more.
State Parks Public Affairs Officer Morgan Zeitler said Tuesday that during the search, two State Parks divers came from a neighboring district to assist. Also involved in the search were Mendocino Fire Department, Fish and Game, Coast Guard and county Search and Rescue personnel.
Sheriffs Lt. Don Miller said that the department has been using every opportunity for the last three weeks to continue the search, but nothing has turned up. Lt. Miller also reported that Krupskis wife returned to San Francisco on Dec. 19, after staying in the area during most of the search.
Miller said that any witnesses who might have seen the couple before they entered the water, or anyone who finds miscellaneous diving gear in the area is urged to contact him at the Sheriffs Office Fort Bragg substation, 964-6308.