R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9-22
If a person shall be lost in a sea disaster, the subject of which has been investigated by the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, or a similar agency in a foreign country, and after due and diligent search there was a finding by the Navy, Coast Guard, or similar agency that the person was lost in a sea disaster which finding is supported by testimony given by an eyewitness to the disaster, then any heir of the person may, after six (6) months of the date of the finding by the Navy, Coast Guard, or similar agency, produce the finding in the appropriate probate court and it shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the death of the person so as to allow for administration of his estate. Should more than one person be lost in the sea disaster, the Navy or Coast Guard or similar agency's finding shall be prima facie evidence of death even if not supported by eyewitness testimony.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9-22