JAMESTOWN –– A Newport man died yesterday as he was apparently overpowered by a strong current while diving off the cliffs on Fort Wetherill State Park, the police said.

Emergency personnel called off a search for his body as night fell.

Police said Derrick Cazard, 24, was visiting the park with four friends. Cazard was the only one to jump off the cliff, a 10- to 15-foot drop, according to the police.

Police said Cazard was apparently overpowered by the strong current. Earlier reports said Cazard hit a rock during the dive.

A bystander called 911 at 4:24 p.m. to say that a man was in the water, face down, fire officials said.

By the time police responded, a man –– whom the police could not identify –– had gone into the water in an attempt to rescue Cazard but had to retreat due to the strong surge, said Sgt. Angela Deneault.

The Coast Guard, the state Department of Environmental Management, and Jamestown police and fire crews launched a search-and-rescue operation, which quickly became a recovery operation.

Fire Chief James R. Bryer Jr. said rescue workers spotted the man’s body inside one of the crevices, “but there was such a big surge going on through there that they couldn’t get in there.”

Bryer said workers spotted the body a few more times but the current pulled it underwater.

A Coast Guard helicopter was called to try to lower someone to recover the body, but it was later canceled as it was deemed too risky.

A firefighter was hurt as he slipped on the rocks during the rescue efforts, Bryer said.

The fireman, who was not identified, suffered some cuts and bruises. He was taken to Newport Hospital, Bryer said.

Fire officials said the department receives three of four calls a year of swimmers or divers in distress by the state park, an area where both activities are prohibited.

“It’s incredibly dangerous to dive off the rocks there,” Deneault said.

Despite police warnings and posted signs, the practice continues.

Fishing and scuba diving are allowed.

marmenta@projo.com