Three dead, one missing in NSW in ‘absolutely tragic start’ to Easter weekend

Three people have drowned and a fourth person is missing in NSW in a devastating start to the Easter long weekend.

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) said the first tragedy was late on Thursday when a man was washed off the break wall at Wollongong Harbour about 11pm.

A man was then washed off the rocks at Middle Head Point in Mosman, just around the headland from Manly beach, just after 10 this morning.

Late this afternoon, a young male was retrieved from the water face down at Disaster Bay in Eden, on the NSW Far South Coast, after having been washed off the rocks.

Meanwhile, the search will also continue at Little Bay where a man was seen struggling in the surf about 2.30pm today.

A police helicopter, members of SLSNSW, NSW Ambulance paramedics and Randwick Council lifeguards have all been involved in the search.

By 7pm the man had not been found, with SLSNSW saying the search would continue tomorrow.

“Every drowning is a tragedy, and this is an absolutely tragic start to the Easter long weekend,” SLSNSW chief executive Steve Pearce said.

“I want to take this opportunity to remind the public that watching big surf from precarious locations like rock platforms and coastal walkways can be just as dangerous as being in the ocean.

“Please take the time to assess the conditions and don’t put yourself at risk of being washed in.”

A hazardous surf warning remains in place across NSW, meaning large surf will continue to batter beaches.

SLSNSW urged people to stay vigilant and take their safety seriously, particularly given all three drownings are believed to have involved people being washed off rocks and into the ocean.

A deep low pressure system in the Tasman Sea is generating large and powerful surf and swell across NSW, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

“This low pressure system is very powerful, although it’s a long way offshore. This low will not impact our weather directly but will generate some very large, powerful waves for eastern Australia,” senior meteorologist Angus Hines said.

“These waves will build on Thursday and stay high until Saturday.

“Coastal hazard and hazardous surf warnings are likely to be issued.

“Given the fine and hot forecast for the east coast during Friday and Saturday, the community needs to be aware of the dangerous coastal conditions.”

Emergency services have warned beachgoers to put safety first over the Easter long weekend.

“Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing,” NSW Police said on social media.

“If on the water in general a reminder to wear a lifejacket and have all safety equipment.

“Check local weather and if in doubt don’t go.”