Man feared missing after being washed away by wave on NSW North Coast

A man is believed to be missing at sea after a huge wave hit the southern breakwall at Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast this evening.

The man, in his 20s, was reportedly walking along the breakwall at Jordan Esplanade when the wave hit and he disappeared, NSW Police said.

A woman standing at the northern end of the breakwall told emergency services she noticed the man had vanished after the large wave at about 6.35pm.

While she says she didn't see the man be swept into the water, she had turned away when the wave crashed and when she turned back the man was gone.

A massive search operation is underway.

Search crews from Coffs Harbour and Clarence Police District are at the scene, with assistance from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter and Coffs Harbour Lifeguards.

The missing man has been described to be of muscular build, average height, with dark hair and is believed to have been wearing a red shirt with grey or beige shorts and red shoes.

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Coffs Harbour police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.