A marine search and rescue operation is underway after a person was swept off Salmon Rocks near Esperance in WA on Wednesday afternoon.

At about 2.40 pm police were notified by a member of the public who believed a person was washed off the rocks at Salmon Beach.

Esperance Police, DFES Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesaving and a local search helicopter have been deployed to search for the missing person.

Police believe the missing person is a male.

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The search will resume at first light on Thursday.