About 1.30pm police and emergency services were called to Dark Beach, South Darras, north of Batemans Bay, after a fisherman was swept off rocks and into the sea.

Police from Far South Coast Local Area Command and the Westpac Lifesaver helicopter, initiated a search of the water and located the man just before 2.30pm.

Despite the efforts of Ambulance Paramedics, the man was not able to be revived. He was not wearing a life jacket.

The man – believed to be aged in his 50s – has yet to be formally identified.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.