Woman dies while rock fishing south of Newcastle

A woman is dead after being swept off rocks while fishing south of Newcastle.

The woman was with a friend fishing on a rock platform at Frazer Park on Saturday night when she was washed into the water.

Her friend grabbed a floatation device and jumped in after her but he was unable to bring her back to safety.

A police officer, patrolling nearby, dived into the water to help the pair.

He kept the woman afloat until she was winched out by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

She was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she died on Monday night.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.