Watch CBS News

Tomales Bay Oyster Co. Owner's Body Recovered

MARSHALL (CBS SF & AP) -- A body pulled from the waters north of San Francisco was identified Sunday as that of Charles Friend, the owner of the famed Tomales Bay Oyster Company, company officials said.

The 70-year-old was reported missing on Tuesday after he disappeared from his boat in Tomales Bay. While authorities suspended their search for Friend last week, family and friends continued and recovered the body on Saturday.

The Tomales Bay Oyster Company issued a statement Sunday saying the body was that of Friend.

"We are deeply saddened by his loss but also heartened by the outpouring of love from all our extended family and friends," the statement read.

Searchers in Marshall Look for Boater Missing on Tomales Bay
Search party in Marshall looking for boater missing on Tomales Bay. (CBS)

Marin County Sheriff's Office Lt. Doug Pittman said the coroner's investigators have not made a positive identification, but friends and family said the remains were those of Friend. The oyster company posted on Facebook that Friend was "brought to shore surrounded by those who love him."

Investigators believe Friend was not wearing a life vest when he fell off his boat.

© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.