It's funny how the media misreports news events and one of the reasons I don't watch the news any more*. One article I read said the "body washed ashore". From your description Paul and clearly from the photo in the link below, that would have to be some strong tide!
http://fox5sandiego.com/2013/04/18/body-found-at-blacks-beach/#axzz2R9G1Nk23
* Although one of my favorite news broadcasts was a "situation room" panel with "experts" about the avalanches that hit Europe, especially Austria, years ago. Under one of the analysts was just the wording "Avalanche Expert". So the anchorwoman asked him if he could explain the science behind avalanches to the audience. His words were: "You have a mountain. Snow falls onto the mountain. Snow slides off of the mountain." ... the blank look on her face was classic. I wish I could have given him a hug.