The body of a man was recovered by Forsyth County authorities Sunday.

A fisherman found the body near Bald Ridge Creek about 9:30 a.m. and alerted authorities, who pulled the body from Lake Lanier, said Robin Hill, spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Hill had no other information, including the victim’s name. She said she couldn’t release it until the next of kin could be notified.

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime laboratory in Decatur.

Forsyth County authorities had been searching for a 47-year-old fisherman who went missing on Feb. 11.

Although a positive identification has not been made, authorities suspect the body is that of 47-year-old George “Marty” Counts of Tucker.

Counts has not been seen since Feb. 11, when he went fishing on Lanier. His empty boat was found that night near Little Ridge Park.

The DNR was notified and launched the search after rangers found the unoccupied boat out of gas and with a cellphone on board.

Authorities began an intensive search, including by helicopter and boat sonar.

They focused their efforts near where the boat was found, which is by the park off Lanier Beach South Road, near Buford Dam.

Officials have said Counts frequented Lanier for fishing, sometimes staying out all night. He also had a house on the lake.

Visibility on boats is limited at night, and authorities said it was possible Counts could have struck something.

Search teams found shoes, a fishing rod and a hat in the effort, which started once the boat was discovered and lasted throughout daylight each weekday. Stormy, windy and cold conditions hampered the helicopters and dive team.

Times regional staff contributed to this report.