Man drowns at Cape Schanck

A CHRISTMAS fishing trip turned to tragedy after a 33-year-old man drowned on the Mornington Penisula this afternoon.

Cape Schanck

A CHRISTMAS fishing trip turned to tragedy after a 33-year-old man drowned on the Mornington Penisula this afternoon.

The Box Hill man was fishing on a low tide rock platform just south of Pebble Beach at Cape Schanck when a large wave swept him off the rocks just after 2.30pm.

Two witnesses pulled the man from the water before performing CPR on him.

Paramedics were called to the scene and pronounced the man dead just after 3pm.

Sgt Michael Russell said people needed to be aware of the dangers of fishing.

"This is a tragic reminder for people to please consider the risks when fishing off rocks or unstable cliffs on back beaches and the potential for large, unexpected waves,'' he said.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.