A 73-year-old man drowned after being swept off the breakwall at Wollongong Harbour this afternoon, prompting authorities to close the area until mid-2026. Police praised the efforts of emergency crews and a nearby sailor who attempted to rescue the man.
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.
Before emergency crews arrived, a sailor on a boat attempted to pull the man out of the water. 'That was very heroic to go to this man's rescue and to help out,' Acting Inspector Zorn said. A junior police officer also jumped into the water to assist.
A hazardous surf warning is in place along the Illawarra coast for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming. Acting Inspector Zorn urged people 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 inspect the site. '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. The breakwall is expected to be closed until mid-2026 following multiple drownings.
