A full-scale search effort is underway on the New South Wales South Coast after a man was swept off rocks while fishing near Kiama Blowhole last night.
A friend 70-year-old Michael Bui was fishing with raised the alarm and bystanders say the man was calling for help before they lost sight of him at about 6:45pm.
Family members have travelled down from Sydney, including Mr Bui's nephew, Tan Tran.
"We're just waiting, but hopefully they can find his body," he said.
"His wife is at home, sick — she is very upset."
Mr Tran said his uncle enjoyed fishing as a hobby but did not fish often.
He said he was not wearing a life jacket when he was swept into the water.
Police Chief Inspector Darren Brown said the search was suspended overnight due to dangerous conditions, but resumed at 7am.
"We've done a search of the area using surf life savers and the Westpac helicopter this morning," he said.
"The surf conditions last night were treacherous."
Dye has been released into the water to give an indication of where the Mr Bui may have drifted overnight.
Marine Rescue, surf lifesavers, police and a helicopter are at the scene.
