The body of a 25-year-old woman swept into the ocean at Maroubra has been found on Thursday morning, about one hour after emergency responders were called to the scene.
Police were called to Maroubra Beach about 4am on Thursday following reports the woman had been struck by a wave, knocking her into the nearby rock pool and pulling her into the ocean.
Authorities converged on Maroubra shortly after 4am.Credit: Louise Kennerley
A police helicopter, the marine area command and several NSW ambulance paramedics searched the area and found the body believed to be that of the missing woman about 5am. The woman is yet to be formally identified and report will be prepared for the coroner.
A hazardous surf warning is in place for the Sydney coastline on Thursday morning, as the Bureau of Meteorology urges swimmers to stay away from the water and areas exposed to the surf amid an elevated risk of danger.
Boat crews are warned against crossing shallow waters and ocean bars, while rock fishers are encouraged to find platforms without direct exposure to rough surf.
The surf warning has also been activated on the Hunter Coast, Macquarie Coast, Coffs Coast and Byron Coast, and will remain in place until at least Thursday evening.
Northern Beaches Services Co-ordinator Steve Downman warned against swimming on Thursday, saying that Sydney beachgoers would be met with “walls and walls of white water” packing large and powerful waves.
“Going down to the beach today is probably not the best option, I would think most of our beaches will definitely be closed today,” Downman told ABC Sydney Radio.
