A man has drowned after becoming caught in a rip near Wollongong.

Emergency services were called to Shellharbour Beach just after 1pm this afternoon to reports of three men struggling in a rip.

Two men returned to the shore safely without any reported injuries.

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Emergency services began searching for the third man.

Five paramedic crews and a rescue helicopter were sent to the search site.

9News understands a body was pulled from the water just after 5pm.