A major search is underway for a swimmer who was last seen “in distress” before vanishing in the waters of a popular surf beach.

A desperate search is underway for a missing swimmer last seen “in distress” in the waters off a major Perth beach.

Emergency services were first called to the scene at Trigg Beach about 5.15pm on Tuesday after the man was spotted “in distress” about 100m offshore.

He was subsequently lost from sight, Western Australia Police said in a statement.

Officers from Mirrabooka Police, Water Police and Police Air Wing attended the area to conduct a search and rescue operation, with assistance from Volunteer Marine Rescue.

A swimmer was last seen ‘in distress’ before vanishing 100m offshore Trigg Beach in WA, sparking a major search operation. Picture: Supplied / Google Street View
Water Police officers, with assistance from Police Air Wing, Mounted Section, ground crews, and Surf Life Saving WA, continued the search for the swimmer over Wednesday.

A WA Police spokesman said the man had still not been located.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the swimmer’s identity and welfare,” police said in a statement.

The swimmer has not been located despite the search resuming on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied / @wa_police
“No-one has been reported missing in relation to the incident at this time.

Police would like to hear from any community member who may have been in distress in the water and self-rescued.

Surf Lifesaving WA states Trigg Beach is best suited for moderate to high-experience swimmers due to “larger waves and strong rips” that form along the stretch of coast.

“Take care when surfing this beach as waves can be deceivingly large and known to be quite treacherous when a north-westerly wind is blowing,” Surf Lifesaving WA’s website continues.