Top British surfer presumed dead in Portugal as authorities call off search efforts

A top British surfer is presumed dead after authorities called off a search near the coast of Portugal.

Arran Strong, a competitive surfer, went missing off the southern Portugal on Monday morning.

The Autoridade Maritima Nacional (AMN) confirmed it called off the search on Thursday.

The 28-year-old British surfer had represented Great Britain at each of the previous two World Surfing Games and was the highest ranked Briton at both events.

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GB Surfing gave its condolences to his family and praised Mr Strong as an athlete.

"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," it said in a statement.

"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, team-mates and all those whose lives he touched."

The AMN said Mr Strong had difficulties in the water off the Atlantic coast at 11.33 BST on Monday.

It said: "The young man disappeared at sea while crossing from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira.

"His friend, who was with him, was rescued by a local fishing boat that was nearby."

The friend was coach Jose Maria Pyrrait, who confessed he did not see the moment the surfer went missing.

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He said the pair stopped to drink water and take photos, before setting off again - with Mr Pyrrait overtaking Mr Strong.

"When I stopped to wait, I saw your board drifting about 100 meters away," he said.

"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. I called my partner on land for help, who automatically activated the rescue."

The surfing coach admitted that he spent over two hours searching for Mr Strong.

On social media, he said: "Arran was like a son to me.

"From the age of 10 he trained with me and spent weekends and holidays with me, as his mother said, he was like a son of divorced parents.

"My love for him, was like another son that life gave me.

"Rest in peace my 'son'."

Teammates also paid their respects to the surfer, who would be deeply missed.

Eight-time British national champion Lucy Campbell wrote: "The world is going to miss that smile so much. Sending my love and hugs to you all."

And fellow English women's surfing champion Alys Barton said he was "always smiling" and lifting others up.

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