The Kalaru man died on Tuesday night trying to save his boys, Travis (15 months), and Riley (4) after they fell from Tathra Wharf.

The children were pulled from the water but died later in hospital.

The communities of Tathra, Kalaru and the wider Bega Valley are in shock after waking to news of the accident on Wednesday morning.

Shane (28), and his sons had been fishing from the Tathra wharf at 8.10pm when the children fell five metres into the choppy waters below.

Shane jumped into the water to rescue the boys and was assisted by a nearby fisherman who heard his cries for help.

A crew from the Tathra Surf Club also set out in an inflatable rescue boat, while two surf lifesavers jumped into the water from the wharf despite the hazardous conditions.

All four were pulled from the water unconscious by emergency services, with surf club members and ambulance crews from Bega and Bermagui working to resuscitate the four people well into the night.

Shane died at the scene, while his sons died later in hospital.

The 37-year-old fisherman was revived by paramedics despite spending a long time in the water.

He was taken to Bega Hospital and released early next morning.

Police Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mick Willing, said the tragedy was likely to be a “freak accident”, but details were still unconfirmed.

Conditions were rough, he said.

“I’m told the seas were choppy around the wharf, there was a very strong wind, it was very dark at the time,” Supt Willing said.

“It’s going to take some time to piece together the details of this tragedy.”

Supt Willing said a pram went into the water, but it was still unclear how this had happened.

He said he expected the event to have a “big impact” on the local community.

A former neighbour of the family said the Kalaru community was in deep shock today.

“He’s a born and bred local lad, it’s terrible,” said the man.

“He used to go diving and fishing and just loved living life.”

Quyen Nguyen from the local bakery, Tathra Bakehaus Swiss said many of his customers knew the family.

“It’s so shocking, I feel so sad for the young boys ... I’ve got young kids,” he said.

Shane O’Neill worked at Kydd’s Butchery and was a member of the Bega Roosters Rugby League Club.

Stacey also grew up in Kalaru and worked in the deli section at the Woolworths at Bega.

The pair had been high school sweethearts and were due to marry next year.