Search halted for GB surfer who disappeared in sea
Portuguese maritime authorities have called off their search for British surfer Arran Strong, 28, who disappeared in the sea off southern Portugal on Monday. The news has prompted tributes across the surfing community, with GB Surfing describing his presumed death as a devastating loss to the sport.
Strong, who lived in Portugal, competed in the World Surf League for a decade and was Great Britain’s highest-ranked surfer at the past two World Surfing Games. He vanished while crossing between Monte Clérigo beach and Carrapateira with his coach, José Maria Pyrrait, who was rescued by a nearby fishing boat; the search began at 11.33 BST on Monday and ended on Thursday.
- Search ends for missing British surfer Arran Strong
- Strong was 28 and lived in Portugal
- Tributes paid by GB Surfing and fellow surfers
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Arran Strong was a 28-year-old British surfer who lived in Portugal and competed professionally in the World Surf League for a decade. He was Great Britain's highest-ranked surfer at the past two World Surfing Games, achieving success at the elite level of the sport.
On Monday, Strong disappeared whilst attempting to cross between two beaches near the Portuguese coast with his coach, José Maria Pyrrait. Pyrrait was rescued by a nearby fishing boat but Strong could not be located. Maritime authorities launched a search operation that continued until Thursday.
The incident prompted tributes from across the surfing community. GB Surfing and other organisations have responded, reflecting Strong's prominence within professional surfing.