The body of a 24-year-old Edmonds man was discovered by biologists Thursday, five days after he vanished during a boating trip along the Columbia River north of Wenatchee.

Three scientists who work for Chelan County PUD were on a boat about 16 miles north of the town of Orondo conducting a bird survey when they reported at 9:48 a.m. finding a body that was later identified as Steven A. Frausto, said Douglas County Sheriff’s Office undersheriff Don Culp.

Utility district biologists have monitored the river weekly for salmon-eating birds, part of an effort to help the fish, said Von Pope, wildlife programs manager with the Chelan PUD.

“All they did was get close enough to know it’s a person,” he said, adding that it’s not the first time utility district employees have discovered bodies floating in the river.

Deputies retrieved Frausto’s body, which had been floating 20 to 30 yards offshore, Culp said.

Frausto, a 2003 graduate of Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, had been boating and wake boarding with friends Saturday between the cities of Orondo and Chelan Falls.

Three boats were tied together, eventually drifting about 50 yards offshore close to Chelan Falls, Culp said.

Frausto reportedly felt ill and moved from the back of the boat to the front before fellow boaters reported him missing around 6:30 p.m., Culp said.

Deputies searched the shoreline and river Saturday through Tuesday before calling off their efforts.

Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429, ohalpert@heraldnet.com.