The search for missing swimmer Patrick Koffa has entered its third day as hopes fade of finding the 19-year-old alive.
Emergency services are concentrating their search on the south end of City Beach, where Mr Koffa was heard screaming for help from the water on Sunday night.
The Liberian refugee had gone for a swim about 8.45pm on Sunday, 200m from the rocks lining Flagstaff Hill.
Slideshow: Police launch large-scale search for missing swimmerHe entered the water with friends, and became caught in a rip. He never returned to shore.
Inspector Brian Wyver, of Wollongong Police, said the search resumed at 7am this morning, but there was little hope of finding Mr Koffa alive.
"We are searching for a body," Insp Wyver said.
"We have spoken to the relatives and they are aware that we don't think he could have survived."
About 30 emergency service workers, including police, lifeguards and State Emergency Service workers, continue to scour the beach and surrounding rocks.
The search party includes the Pol Air helicopter, lifeguards on jet skis, police divers and the coast guard.
"The conditions are pretty good. The sea is flat and and we're going on to low tide, and visibility is good," Insp Wyver said.
"The divers tell us that the current is running south east, and we have got that in mind with the search."
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