Man drowns, second swimmer rescued after getting into trouble in surf of Marley Beach, in Sydney’s south

A man has drowned and a second swimmer has been rescued, after the pair were spotted struggling in the waters of an unpatrolled beach in Sydney’s south.

Lifesavers were first alerted to the swimmers struggling at Marley Beach shortly before 1pm on Thursday.

The younger swimmer, 20, was pulled to safety after being washed back to shore by waves.

The body of the second swimmer, 50, was located a short time later, NSW Police said in a statement.

The tragedy unfolded at approximately 12.50pm, with a large search operation launched after the two men were spotted in trouble.

The operation involved land, sea and air police teams, Surf Life Saving Australia and rescue ambulances from Toll and Westpac.

The younger swimmer was winched out by the Toll Rescue Helicopter Service, before being taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition.

An inquest into the 50-year-old’s death will be opened in due course, with police preparing a report for the state coroner.

Originally published as Man drowns, second swimmer rescued after getting into trouble in surf of Marley Beach, in Sydney’s south