Witnesses told police that a group of men were standing on rocks near an area known as Hill 60 at about 10pm when they were hit by a large wave.
Two of the group made it to shore safely, however despite a desperate rescue operation involving the Police Marine Area Command, rescue helicopters and local lifeguards, the bodies of the 69-year-old and two men from Green Valley aged 45 and 49, were recovered from the water a short time later.
The incident which was one of a spate of coastal drowning deaths, with a 20-year-old man swept of the break wall at Coffs Harbour on Thursday, and a 50-year-old woman dying at Congo Beach last Sunday while trying to rescue her son from a rip.
A report will be prepared for the coroner and police have appealed for witnesses to the Port Kembla incident, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
