Man drowns trying to save dog

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A man died as he and his wife tried to rescue their dog, swept off a California beach by a rogue wave, officials say.

The couple were walking with their dog near Point Reyes north of San Francisco at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday when the animal was caught by the wave, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

"The man went after the dog, and the wife was in the water as well," Coast Guard Lt. Mark Leahey said." The wife and dog made it back to shore safely but unfortunately the man was carried out to sea."

Leahey said the body was recovered at about 4 p.m. after a search by a Coast Guard helicopter and lifeboat.The man is believed to have drowned.