Three dead, two missing after deadly 48 hours on NSW coast

Three people have died and a man and teenage boy remain missing after a series of coastal emergencies across New South Wales over the past 48 hours, as dangerous surf conditions batter the coastline.

On the Mid North Coast, a 45-year-old woman died at Dunbogan Beach in Camden Haven on Thursday afternoon following a suspected drowning.

In Sydney's east, emergency services were called to Maroubra Beach about 4am after reports a person had been swept from rocks into the ocean. Authorities were told a 25-year-old woman was struck by a wave and knocked into a tidal pool before being dragged further offshore by heavy swells.
A multi-agency search located the woman about an hour later, but she could not be revived.

Another fatal incident occurred at Palm Beach, where a man died after a boat capsized near the northern end of the beach on New Year's Eve. One man managed to climb onto rocks at Barrenjoey Headland and was winched to safety, later being taken to hospital with serious injuries. A second man was pulled from the water but could not be revived.
A search has resumed for a 14-year-old boy who remains missing following the same incident.

Meanwhile, a major search operation is continuing at Coogee Beach after a man believed to be in his 20s disappeared in the surf early Thursday morning. The alarm was raised shortly after 6am when three men got into difficulty in the water. Two were rescued by off-duty surf lifesavers, while a police officer also entered the surf to assist.
The third man went underwater and has not been located. Large waves, a three-metre swell and squally conditions have hampered search efforts.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce described the incidents as a "terrible" start to the new year.

"We knew New Year's Day would be extremely busy operationally," he said. "Statistically, people are three times more likely to drown during this period than at any other time of year.
"Already, we've seen tragedies that will ripple through families and affect so many first responders."

Mr Pearce said surf lifesavers had carried out about 85 rescues in the week since Christmas Day, with conditions catching many beachgoers off guard.

On the NSW south coast, four people were rescued from a rip at Narrawallee Inlet near Mollymook on Thursday afternoon. A 51-year-old woman was taken to Shoalhaven District Hospital, while three others were transported to Milton Hospital for observation.

Multiple Sydney beaches were closed as authorities warned swimmers to stay out of the water.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib thanked emergency crews working in what he described as "extremely dangerous" conditions.

"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives, and with those still missing," he said.

Officials have urged the public to avoid the coast, particularly rocky headlands, ledges and unpatrolled beaches, until conditions improve.