Emergency services arrived at the lookout about 11am after a Figtree resident reported seeing a man with a parachute collide with the cliff in high winds.

Ambulance and SES crews used ropes to search ledges immediately below the edge, while an ambulance helicopter scoured the area searching for the pink and white parachute reportedly seen.

Ambulance NSW Illawarra operations manager Inspector Norm Rees said three witnesses at the scene reported seeing two men walking into the restricted area at the cliff’s edge, but only one man walking out.

‘‘There were strong south-west winds at the time, which could have driven the man into the cliff,’’ Insp Rees said.

Police and SES crews searched the area around the cliff base on foot, but found no trace of the man. Specialist rescue teams from NSW Fire and Rescue also failed to find the man.

‘‘We are happy that we’ve searched the area extensively enough to eliminate the possibility he was there,’’ Insp Rees said after the search was called off.

‘‘We think his mate has probably picked him up.’’

Police are now searching for the driver of a silver Toyota Troopcarrier 4WD that was seen near the scene at the time, but disappeared soon after.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Wollongong Police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.