Police have praised the efforts of emergency crews and a nearby sailor in their attempts to help rescue a 73-year-old man who drowned after being swept off the breakwall at Wollongong Harbour this afternoon.
Emergency crews were called to Belmore Basin at 12:50pm.
It is not yet known how the man fell into the water.
Acting Inspector Kelly Zorn said crews battled large swells during the rescue attempt.
"Surf Life Saving NSW came to the rescue and brought him back to shore but unfortunately he could not be revived," she said.
"Investigations are continuing into the exact circumstances."
The man has not been formally identified.
Acting Inspector Zorn said before emergency crews arrived a sailor on a boat had attempted to pull the man out of the water.
"That was very heroic to go to this man's rescue and to help out," she said.
"[When police arrived] a very junior police officer jumped straight into the water to try and help the man.
"He did a great job … he did not hesitate.
"It just goes to show the calibre of the wonderful police we have at Wollongong."
The officer was not injured in the rescue attempt.
A hazardous surf warning is in place along the Illawarra coast for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming.
Acting Inspector Zorn said people needed to be cautious in the dangerous conditions.
Large swells have continued to pound the breakwall throughout the afternoon.
The area will remain cordoned off as council staff were called to inspect the area.
"There is apparently part of the fence that has eroded away so we are going to keep it taped off until the council comes and secure the area," Acting Inspector Zorn said.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
