Professional Surfer Arran Strong, 28, Presumed Dead After Going Missing Off Portugal Coast

Rescue efforts for British professional surfer Arran Strong have been called off on Thursday, July 30 after he went missing in the water on Monday

Strong, 28, went missing after he stopped to take photos and drink water with his coach

The coach said he spent two and a half hours searching for the surfer

Professional surfer Arran Strong is presumed to be dead four days after he went missing of the coast of Portugal.

According to the BBC, the Autoridade Maritima Nacional (AMN) confirmed on Thursday, July 30 that the rescue teams have called off searches for 28-year-old Strong.

The AMN said they were made aware of the surfer’s disappearance around 11:30 a.m. on Monday. “The young man disappeared at sea while crossing from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira,” officials said, per the BBC.

Strong was reportedly with his coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, who said they “stopped off Arrifana to drink water and take some pictures” just before the surfer went missing, according to the outlet.

Arran Strong on Aug. 9, 2024
Credit: Steve Bailey/ProSports/Shutterstock

In a heartbreaking tribute to Strong, who Pyrrait said was like “a son” to him, the coach explained his version of events.

“We were there for a few minutes talking, when we started again, I let him go ahead. Since my pace is faster I always do that, when I would catch it and get a short lead I’d stop and wait for it. This time it was no different, but when I stopped to wait, I saw your board drifting about 100 meters away.”

Pyrrait said he “paddled as fast as I could to get there, diving repeatedly,” to look for Strong. “But we were in a really deep area and visibility was very short, I called my partner on land for help, who automatically activated the rescue. A local fisherman picked up me and ace boards and we spent close to two and a half hours banging the entire area with the boat probe. He’s still missing, unfortunately with practically zero chance of being alive.”

GB Surfing said they’re “deeply saddened by the tragic passing” of Strong in a statement. “Arran proudly represented Great Britain at the 2024 and 2025 ISA World Surf Games, finishing as our highest-placed male surfer on both occasions,” the organization wrote.

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

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