Witnesses describe horror moment swimmer swept out to sea at Bondi beach
Witnesses have described the moment a 47-year-old man died at Bondi Beach after a large wave swept him and his wife into the ocean on the weekend.
The couple were standing on rocks at North Bondi when they were dragged into the water about 5.30pm on Saturday, police said.
A witness who captured the horrific incident on camera described the moment huge waves crashed down on the couple, sweeping them both into the water.
“I saw the wave hit these two couples and then I put the phone away and I just ran to them,” he told Nine News.
Only the woman, 45, managed to climb back onto the rocks.
Lifesavers pulled the man out a short time later but he couldn't be revived.
The woman suffered grazes and two fractured toes, police said.
Her screams as she was pulled from the water were heard by a packed crowd at the iconic Sydney beach.
“She was crying and shouting ‘my husband is in the water’” a witness recalled.
Beachgoers described the dangerous conditions at the beach on Saturday when tragedy struck.
“There were huge waves coming, especially at the rocks,” a witness told reporters.
NSW Ambulance duty operations manager Sally Groves said it was an "absolutely horrendous outcome".
"Paramedics worked closely with other emergency services and did everything possible to try and save his life, but sadly he was unable to be saved," Ms Groves added.
"No matter what you are doing near the water, please be vigilant – it is not worth risking your life."
with AAP
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