Body found in waters off Esperance
Police have confirmed the body found in waters at Esperance is a man who went missing on Friday.
The body was recovered this morning, on the third day of a search for a 27-year-old man who fell from rocks while taking photographs.
A statement from WA Police confirmed the tragic news.
The man's family thanked everyone who helped search for him.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
"It is with great sadness we confirm the body of a person has been recovered from the water near Chapman Point, Esperance this morning," WA Police said.
"We thank everyone who assisted with the search operation, in particular the local emergency service volunteers who assisted with the land, sea and air searches over the last 3 days."
Police divers this morning joined the search this morning for the tourist but hope was already fading that he would be found alive.
Local police, Esperance marine volunteers and surf life savers on jetskis helped search.
Local police have praised the bravery of surfer Rob Hewlett, who tried to reach the struggling man as he was being overwhelmed by waves and thrown against the rocks.
"He was in a bad way," Mr Hewlett said.
The Esperance veterinarian said he had to dive away from waves to avoid being pushed against the rocks himself.
"When I turned around he was gone."
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The tourist, visiting from Perth, resurfaced but appeared unconscious when another set of large waves hit.
"I got within 10 or 15m of him," Mr Hewlett said.
"I did everything I could except for going in and drowning myself."
Esperance police say Mr Hewlett will be nominated for a bravery award.
On Saturday the search failed to find the man. It has begun again this morning. Picture: Jessica Vanderende/Seven News
On Saturday, local teenager Reece Guild said conditions were treacherous the day before.
"Everyone rushed in to get to him, but they couldn't do anything," he said.
"The swell yesterday was the worst I've seen".
See latest on Seven News at 6pm.
