The search for British surfer Arran Strong, who went missing off the coast of Portugal, has been called off, the Autoridade Maritima Nacional (AMN) confirmed Thursday. Strong, 28, disappeared on Monday morning while crossing from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira.
Strong had a decade-long career competing in the World Surf League and represented Great Britain at the last two World Surfing Games, where he was the highest-ranked British participant on both occasions. He lived in Portugal.
GB Surfing released a statement remembering Strong as "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." The organization added that his passing is "a devastating loss to our sport and the wider surfing community, and he will be greatly missed."
According to the AMN, the alert was raised at 11:33 BST on Monday. Strong was with his coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, who was rescued by a nearby fishing boat. Pyrrait stated on Instagram that they had stopped to rest and take photos before continuing. He said he last saw Strong ahead of him, but when he stopped to wait, he saw Strong's board drifting about 100 meters away. Pyrrait described a frantic search in deep water with poor visibility and confirmed he alerted his partner on land, who then activated the rescue.
Pyrrait, who had trained Strong since he was 10, described him as being "like a son to me." He added, "My love for him, was like another son that life gave me. Rest in peace my 'son'."
Fellow surfers and teammates shared tributes online. Luke Dillon, GB Surfing performance coach, wrote, "Hearts so heavy. Fought so many battles and lived life to the fullest always carrying a smile and infectious laugh. Sending love to Arran's family and friends." Eight-time British national champion Lucy Campbell said, "The world is going to miss that smile so much. Sending my love and hugs to you all." Alys Barton, a fellow English women's surfing champion, recalled Strong as someone "always encouraging everyone around you" and thanked him for "always smiling, believing in others and lifting everyone up."