An Argentinian backpacker is feared drowned after being swept out to sea at an unpatrolled beach on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Key points: Ian Barr was swept out to sea at Mullaway Beach after bystanders and his friends desperately tried to save him

Ian Barr was swept out to sea at Mullaway Beach after bystanders and his friends desperately tried to save him Police say the search for the 20-year-old Argentinian is now a recovery operation

Police say the search for the 20-year-old Argentinian is now a recovery operation Mr Barr was understood to be a backpacker working at local blueberry farmers

Ian Barr, 20, was with a group of friends at Mullaway Beach north of Coffs Harbour about 5:30pm yesterday when he went swimming and became caught in a rip.

Despite the best efforts of bystanders and friends, Mr Barr was unable to be rescued from the water.

An extensive air-and-sea search was unsuccessful in locating the tourist.

One of those who attempted to rescue Mr Barr was friend and fellow backpacker Reuben Williams from the UK, who entered the water when he saw Mr Barr was in trouble.

"At the point I got to him, he was very exhausted and tired out. I tried my absolute best, but the current was very strong," Mr Williams said.

"The waves were huge, so I was struggling a lot myself."

A 20-year-old Argentinian man was swept out to sea at Mullaway Beach north of Coffs Harbour, NSW late yesterday afternoon. ( Claudia Jambor (ABC Coffs Coast) )

'A really nice guy'

Mr Williams and several other friends kept held a vigil on the nearby headland.

"It's just a tragedy. I think everybody is a bit taken back," he said.

"He had quite a loud personality, a really nice guy.

"It's a very horrible thing to happen."

Mr Williams said the 20-year-old, in Australia on a working holiday visa, had been living locally for two weeks picking blueberries.

Troy Rodham from Mullaway grabbed his surfboard in an attempt to rescue the backpacker. ( ABC News: Claudia Jambor )

Mullaway resident Troy Rodham, who also attempted to rescue Mr Barr, was back at the scene of the tragedy this morning.

Mr Rodham said he was at the beach with his family when one of Mr Barr's friends approached him in a panicked state and asked for a phone.

Mr Rodham ran home, got his surfboard and paddled out in a bid to find the swimmer.

"I was out there for about half an hour just paddling around, and everyone was up at the headland and pointing, so we were trying to direct each other, and unfortunately we weren't successful," he said.

Search suspended

The search for Mr Barr was suspended this afternoon amid rough ocean conditions.

Drones were used in the search. ( ABC News: Claudia Jambor )

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Hayes said emergency services were now focused on finding the young man's body, with police divers expected to arrive at the beach on Wednesday morning.

"His friend witnessed him go under the water and he didn't resurface, so it's a recovery operation at this stage," Inspector Hayes said.

"Hopefully we can recover this young man's body and return him to the family."

He said Mr Barr's friends had been offered counselling and support.

"It's a tragic set of circumstances that have unfolded," he said.

NSW police have contacted the Argentinian consulate so they can notify Mr Barr's family.