An Australian man has died after trying to rescue a crew member who fell from a ferry off the northern coast of Jakarta.

Police said an Indonesian crewman fell off the Tidung Express ship on Sunday, about one nautical mile from Pelangi Island, one of Indonesia’s Thousand Islands.

After hearing cries for help, 41-year-old Sydney man Gregory Robert Jones jumped in to the sea to rescue him.

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But the heavy seas pushed Mr Jones against the ferry’s propeller.

He was brought back on board the Tidung Express and died of his injuries at a local hospital.

The Australian embassy in Jakarta has been liaising with Mr Jones’ family.

The missing crew member, 21-year-old Cecep, is feared to have drowned.