SACO (AP) – Recreational fishermen on Friday found the body of a 63-year-old Sanford man who disappeared while going fishing on the Saco River.

Searchers believed Ron Fernald and his pet Chihuahua somehow ended up in the water after climbing aboard his six-foot aluminum skiff to get to the fishing boat Tuesday. Searchers found only his pet, but no sign of him.

The Coast Guard called off its part of the search Thursday after bringing in sonar equipment and a thermal imaging camera. Other agencies scaled back their search.

On Friday, the body was spotted in a marshy area by fishermen, and it was recovered by the Maine Marine Patrol. Family members identified the body.