Professional British surfer Arran Strong is presumed dead after authorities ended a four-day search off the coast of Portugal.
The 28-year-old disappeared while surfing on Monday, according to Portugal’s National Maritime Authority.
Strong had been in the water with his coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, shortly before he vanished. Pyrrait said the pair had stopped surfing to drink water and take photographs before Strong paddled ahead.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, the coach recalled the devastating moment he realized something was wrong.
“I let him go ahead,” Pyrrait wrote. “Since my pace is faster, I always do that. When I would catch up and get a short lead, I’d stop and wait for him.”
“This time it was no different, but when I stopped to wait, I saw your board drifting about 100 meters away.”
Pyrrait said visibility in the area was poor and that he immediately went ashore to call for help.
Despite an extensive search lasting four days, rescuers were unable to locate Strong, and the operation was eventually called off.
GB Surfing also paid tribute to the talented athlete, remembering him as a respected competitor and beloved teammate.
“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.
“Arran was a fantastic teammate, respected competitor and a kind, generous presence.”
The group described his presumed death as a devastating loss for both the sport and the wider surfing community.
“He will be greatly missed,” the tribute concluded.