Two women have died after they were swept off the rocks at a popular Sydney beach while on a picnic.
Emergency services rushed to Cape Solander, a lookout at Kurnell in Sydney’s south, about 4.30pm on Monday following reports three women had disappeared off the edge of the rock face into the ocean.
The women were reportedly picnicking with friends and walking along the rock platform when a ‘freak wave’ hit them and swept them into the sea.
NSW Police said one woman managed to leave the water and climb onto the rocks before she was assisted by members of the public.
A major search was launched for the remaining two women.
Two women have died after being swept off of rocks at a popular Sydney beach and rock-fishing spot (pictured, emergency services at the scene)
A bystander said people were watching for whales when onlookers with binoculars were asked by Parks and Wildlife rangers to watch out for the women.
It is understood three rescue helicopters were searching for the duo before NSW Ambulance vans arrived.
NSW Police said the remaining two women were eventually located with assistance from PolAir helicopters and pulled from the water unconscious.
They were brought to shore where emergency crews conducted CPR, but they were unable to be revived.
They are yet to be formally identified.
It is understood the woman who survived has minor injuries, is breathing and conscious and was rushed to St George Hospital.
It is understood she was treated for hypothermia.
Bystanders who helped with the rescue also had to be treated by paramedics at the scene for hypothermia.
Police have established a crime scene and are commencing an investigation into the incident.
NSW Police Superintendent Joe McNulty, speaking with Nine’s Today program, advised beachgoers to always pay attention to the sea when walking on the rocks.
The women were reportedly picnicking with friends and walking along the rock platform when a ‘freak wave’ hit them and swept them into the sea (police at the scene)
‘Never turn your back on the sea, no matter what activity you’re doing,’ he said.
‘It’s the golden rule. Don’t turn your back on the ocean.’
No suspicious circumstances have been identified at this time, NSW Police have said.
The rockface is a popular among rockfishers, with two men killed after they were washed off the rocks in the same area just weeks ago.
Their bodies were pulled from the water a short time later and they were unable to be revived.