A man has drowned after being swept away while fishing in Raglan overnight.

The 42-year-old was fishing off the pier at Raglan Harbour with a friend when he fell into the water and was swept away by a strong current.

His fishing partner jumped into the sea and tried to rescue him, but by the time he reached the man he was unresponsive, police said.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 12.30am.

"It appears two men have gone down to Raglan Wharf about 11pm to go fishing and while casting off at the end of the pier one of the pair has fallen into the water and was swept away in a swift current," said Senior Sergeant Rupert Friend.

"His friend has jumped into the water to try and save him but given the strength of the current, by the time he has gotten to his friend the man was already face down in the water and unresponsive."

He said the man struggled to pull his unconscious friend to shore, but managed to haul him onto some rocks before raising the alarm.

Police praised the efforts of the man's fishing buddy, describing them as "valiant".

The death has been referred to the coroner.

- APNZ