Sea rescuers have recovered a body during their search for a pair of fishermen who disappeared while trying to retrieve their friend from the waves.

The missing Sydney men, aged 24 and 26, were rock fishing with four friends at Wybung Head on the state’s central coast on Friday when a wave swept one of the group into the water about 6.30pm (AEST).

The men went in after her.

Another three friends who remained on the rocks were eventually led to safety, and a current carried the fallen woman back to land.

But the men who had tried to help her did not resurface and a large-scale sea search involving the Westpac Life Saver helicopter, surf lifesavers, police and volunteers was launched.

On Saturday morning, the body of a man was found off Wybung Head.

Police say the body has not yet been formally identified but is believed to be that of one of the missing fishermen.

The search for the other man continues.

No one in the group was wearing a life jacket, police say.