Police have launched an investigation after the death of a man in the Eastern Suburbs this morning.

About 10.30am (Sunday 31 August 2014), emergency services were called to Lurline Bay near Maroubra after reports a man aged in his 40s was struggling in the water.

Officers were told the man was fishing with a friend when he went into the water to retrieve a bucket and got into difficulty. It’s believed he was not wearing a life jacket.

Passersby raised the alarm and emergency services arrived a short time later.

The man was winched from the water by a Westpac Helicopter before being taken by Ambulance to Prince of Wales Hospital. He died shortly after.

Investigators will now prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Police have once again urged rock fisherman to exercise extreme caution and constantly monitor the ocean for any deterioration in conditions.

It is also vital to wear appropriate clothing and life jackets at all times.