The search for a woman swept into the ocean at Cape Spear on Wednesday has shifted to a recovery mission.

A 911 call came in around 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon and when emergency responders arrived they found a man on the scene who indicated he and a woman were down near the water when a wave swept them off the rocks.

He managed to get back on shore with minor injuries, but could not see where the woman was.

An extensive search was launched including the use of a heat recognition drone, but efforts were limited last night due to the encroaching darkness.

The effort, which resumed this morning, is still ongoing. RNC are seeking to speak with anyone who may have been in the area of Cape Spear between 3:30 and 4:30 yesterday afternoon.

At the time of her disappearance the woman was wearing beige clothing and had an iPhone. People along the coast are being asked to report anything unusual in the water or along the shore.

Parks Canada, meanwhile, is offering its condolences to the families and friends of the woman.

Officials say visitor safety is of the utmost importance and they are reminding the public that the coast in and around Cape Spear can be very dangerous and unpredictable.

Parks Canada is asking all visitors to heed warning signs and stay on designated trails.

The site is currently closed for the winter season.

Earlier story

A search is continuing for a woman believed to have been swept into the ocean off Cape Spear late Wednesday afternoon.

The woman, who has not been identified, was with a man who was also caught by the waves but managed to scramble back to shore.

The 911 call came in around 4:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, emergency responders located the man who indicated he and the woman were near the water when a wave swept them off the rocks.

An extensive search was launched including the use of a heat recognition drone, but efforts were limited Wednesday night due to darkness.

The search resumed this morning and is still under way.

People along the coast are being asked to report anything unusual in the water or along the shoreline.