Body matching description of missing man discovered on Ossabaw Island

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - On Wednesday afternoon, the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division discovered a body matching the description of a missing man on the southern portion of Ossabaw Island.

#Update On Wednesday afternoon, a @GaDNRLE patrol located a body matching the description of the missing man on the southern portion of Ossabaw Island. The body was recovered by #Georgia DNR personnel and transferred to the @GaChatham Coroner’s Office.

— U.S. Coast Guard Southeast (@USCGSoutheast) August 20, 2025

DNR personnel recovered the body and transferred it to the Chatham County Coroner’s Office.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast, a search was launched on Tuesday, August 19, for a 71-year-old male who was last seen aboard a 42-foot sailboat approximately 3 miles off Ossabaw Island.

An Air Station Savannah rescue swimmer was lowered to the vessel that same day but found no one aboard.

The @USCG is searching for a 71y/o male who was reported to be aboard a 42ft sailboat approx. 3 miles off Ossabaw Island, #Georgia.

An Air Station #Savannah rescue swimmer was lowered to the vessel & found no one aboard.

Anyone with info should call the #USCG at 843-740-7050. pic.twitter.com/S13Vgmts4W

— U.S. Coast Guard Southeast (@USCGSoutheast) August 19, 2025

On Wednesday, DNR crews recovered a body believed to be the missing man.

The U.S. Coast Guard Southeast released the following statement:

We extend our deepest condolences. Suspending a search is never easy and is only done after all efforts and leads are exhausted.

Lt. Michael Allen, a Sector Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator

Separately, on Tuesday, August 19, Coast Guard crews from Station Tybee and Air Station Savannah rescued two people from a disabled 39-foot sailboat near Ossabaw Island.

This remains a developing story. Stick with WTOC for the latest updates.