Body found in surf confirmed as missing Yachats fisherman

YACHATS, Ore. -- The Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division confirmed today the identity of an unidentified adult male found in the surf Thursday morning north of Yachats as a missing local fisherman.

Fingerprint records were used to confirm the identity and next of kin have been notified.

WILLIAM ARTHUR BODEWIG, 62, from Yachats, was one of two men reported missing Nov. 18 after they failed to return from a local fishing trip between Yachats and Heceta Head.

At 9 a.m. a citizen walking on the beach near Smelt Sands State Park spotted a body in the surf line and reported it to police. Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and Yachats Fire Department responded. There was no identification found on the body which appeared to have been in the water for several days.