APPANOOSE COUNTY, Iowa — The body of a 47-year-old Californian man was recovered Tuesday evening from Rathbun Lake, Appanoose County Sherriff's Office announced.
An initial search began after a midday call was made Monday to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about an abandoned boat along the north shore of the lake.
When officials arrived, they found two dogs along with personal belongings, but no occupants. Following this discovery, the DNR called the Appanoose County Sherriff's Office in to assist.
It was soon determined that the fisherman had last been seen fishing on the south side of the lake near the Rolling Cave area Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Because of not knowing most of the details associated with the man's disappearance, including how far the boat had drifted, an expansive search started.
A two-day search over a large area was started by the Appanoose County Sheriff, DNR, Rathbun Army Corps of Engineers and Appanoose County Emergency Management. They began their search near where the man was last seen.
The man's body was found 2,000 feet north of the Rolling Cave at a depth of 25 feet.
During the investigation, officials discovered the man was in Iowa to visit friends and family, but that he was also a passionate fisherman at Rathbun Lake.
The man's name has not been released as officials work to notify family.
An autopsy will be completed by the Iowa State Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.