The deceased, surnamed Wong, went for a swim at around 5 am. His friends called for police assistance after being unable to locate him when they saw his car parked and his items still in the lockers.

Fireboats and police boats, along with the Government Flying Service, arrived at the scene to search for Wong.

The rescue workers discovered Wong on a rocky beach near Ocean Park at around 10 am and took him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

It is understood that the 77-year-old was a retired car repair mechanic and had a habit of swimming early in the morning.

He would also often swim outside the shark prevention net, as the water quality is relatively clear and clean, according to his friends.