Portugal ends search for missing British surfer

Portuguese maritime authorities have officially called off the search for British surfer Arran Strong, who went missing off the country's southern coast earlier this week. The Autoridade Marítima Nacional confirmed on Thursday that the operation, launched after Strong disappeared on Monday morning, would not continue.

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Beyond his performances in the water, Arran was a fantastic team-mate, respected competitor and a kind, generous presence whose passion for surfing left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Strong, 28, who resided in Portugal, was a notable figure in the surfing world. He competed on the World Surf League circuit for a decade and represented Great Britain at two World Surfing Games, achieving the highest national ranking on both occasions. GB Surfing remembered him as a respected competitor and a cherished member of the British surfing community.

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His passing is a devastating loss to our sport and the wider surfing community, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Arran’s family, friends, teammates and all those whose lives he touched.

According to the AMN, Strong encountered difficulty while paddling between Monte Clérigo Beach and Carrapateira along the Atlantic coast. His friend and coach, José Maria Pyrrait, was rescued by a nearby fishing boat after the incident. Pyrrait, who had trained Strong since he was 10, described the surfer as being "like a son" and expressed his deep sorrow.

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When I stopped to wait, I saw your board drifting about 100 metres away. I paddled as fast as I could to get there, diving repeatedly looking for you, but we were in a deep area and visibility was very short.

Tributes from the surfing community highlighted Strong's passion for the sport and his positive impact on those around him. GB Surfing performance coach Luke Dillon noted that Strong "lived life to the fullest," while fellow surfers Lucy Campbell and Alys Barton remembered his infectious smile and encouraging nature, emphasizing that his loss will be deeply felt.

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Arran was like a son to me… My love for him was like another son that life gave me. Rest in peace, my ‘son’.