Search continues for man off WA coast

Emergency workers will continue a search at first light for a man who lost his footing while taking a photo and fell into the ocean on West Australia's southeast coast.

A specialist team of divers from Water Police will join the search on Sunday, police say.

"Planning has already begun for search activities tomorrow, which are expected to commence at first light," a police spokesman said in a statement.

A helicopter had joined the search for the man, in his late 20s, who police say fell near Chapman Point at Esperance about 4pm on Friday.

His friends and a local surfer tried to rescue him but could not reach him because of the rough conditions.

Surf lifesaving volunteers, local marine rescue teams and State Emergency Services volunteers are part of the search.