The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post Saturday the body of a man who drowned has been recovered.

The body of Gregory Lee Jackson, 43, was recovered around 2:55 p.m. Saturday, BCSO said. Reports say Jackson's body was recovered between Ford Plantation and The Cove.

Authorities were first notified of a boater in distress around 12:15 p.m. and first responders arrived at 12:17 p.m., BCSO said. Witnesses said Jackson was in a small canoe with his dog when the canoe began to take on water and both he and the dog went into the water.

A witness threw a lifesaving ring to Jackson but he left the ring to save his dog, which panicked and pushed Jackson under the water, BCSO said.

The dog was able to swim to shore. Efforts to save Jackson from nearby docks were unsuccessful, BCSO said.

The BCSO social media post said “we want to thank the Richmond Hill Police Department, Richmond Hill Fire Department, Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Chatham County for their fast response. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Lewis Levine contributed to this report.