A man has drowned at a popular beach in front of shocked onlookers.
Emergency crews were called to St Kilda Pier, in Melbourne at about 8.25pm on Wednesday following reports of a swimmer in distress in the water.
Crowds were seen watching on along the shore and busy promenade as a large scale search was launched.
A police helicopter scoured the ocean from above as boats searched the water for the missing swimmer.
A nearby carpark was blocked with at least six emergency vehicles.
A man drowned at St Kilda Pier on Wednesday night. Pictured is the search effort as beachgoers watched on
The man’s lifeless body was eventually pulled from the water by emergency responders.
He was unable to revived, despite the best efforts of paramedics.
The man is yet to be formally identified
Police are not treating the drowning as suspicious at this stage.
At least 74 people have drowned this summer since December 1, three more than the same time last year.
Multiple emergency responders raced to the scene shortly before 8.30pm
