Witnesses told police he was seen getting into the water but didn’t resurface.

Police, Marine Area Command, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW Marine Rescue and Surf Life Saving NSW all set out on a search but couldn’t find him before nightfall.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray the Port Macquarie branch supplied two boats and two jet-skis to the operation, searching the rocks at both ends of Shelly Beach and 5.5 kilometres out into the ocean.

“Conditions weren’t favourable, with a two-and-a-half metre swell,” he said.

“It was uncomfortable for our volunteer crews, but they remained on the water until being stood down for the day at 6pm.”

Two Marine Rescue Port Macquarie vessels will rejoin the search at 8am.

Police described the missing man as of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance and wearing black swim shorts.