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Nov-20-2009 02:54printcomments

Coast Guard, Local Agencies Search for Two Missing Fishermen Near Yachats

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing men should contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.

Two miles south of Yachats, Oregon
Approximate are two miles south of Yachats, Oregon. Image courtesyL Google Earth

(ASTORIA, Ore.) - The Coast Guard is searching for two missing fishermen two miles south of Yachats, Oregon Thursday.

62-year old Bill Bodewig and 23-year old Nick Lutz, both from the local area, were reported missing late Wednesday night to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.

An HH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Facility Newport, Oregon, searched at first light and discovered a fishing pole and two backpacks in the area the fishermen were last reported.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office personnel conducted a ground search of the area.

Bodewig was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black jacket. Lutz was last seen in camouflage hip waders and a camouflage jacket. The vehicle of the two fishermen was located in the area.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing men should contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 997-8472 or Coast Guard Group North Bend at (541) 756-9210.




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November 29, 2009 4:28 pm (Pacific time)

I'm heartbroken to hear about Bill,(my cousin) and Nick. My condolences to all who loved them. Jodi Maxwell


Anonymous November 24, 2009 9:28 am (Pacific time)

My heart also goes out to all of the families and friends of Bill and Nick. How tragic!! May God be with all.Debbie


sw November 22, 2009 9:58 pm (Pacific time)

These men were sport fishermen...they were not commercial fishermen. One was my son's buddy. This is devastating! It is a terrible loss. I hope their bodies are recovered soon.


gp November 20, 2009 9:33 am (Pacific time)

I lived in Yachats for many years and the plight of the fishing grounds and hence the fishermen and their families is a real tragedy. There are many fishermen who sail out of Newport marina into the wretched winter waters looking to make a buck catching crab. What they get in return from the canneries is a joke. I am acquainted with many fishermen who catch their fish (salmon, tuna, halibut etc.) with hook and line. These intelligent fishermen are not greedy. They shun and disparage net fishing in the Coastal waters knowing better than anyone the limits to the fishing grounds and the threat to the very existence of the fish themselves. It is the financial reality so well portrayed in "The Perfect Storm" that forces some out to sea when caution would dictate otherwise. My heart goes out to the families of these men. Don't buy farm fish. Visit the small fishermen on the dock to buy their fish in season and buy their products in a few of the fishermen owned restaurants like Luna Sea in Yachats and on the shelf in other stores. Canning their own catch is one way fishermen can make a little more money without risking dangerous weather fishing.

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