Search for British surfer Arran Strong called off after disappearance off Portugal
Search operations for 28-year-old British surfer Arran Strong were halted on Thursday after he vanished while crossing between Monte Clerigo and Carrapateira on Portugal’s Atlantic coast.
Authorities in Portugal stopped the search for Arran Strong, a 28-year-old British surfer who disappeared on Monday while attempting to cross from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira. The Autoridade Maritima Nacional said the young athlete vanished at 11:33 BST, and his coach Jose Maria Pyrrait, who was with him, was rescued by a nearby fishing boat. Pyrrait reported that after a brief pause for water and photos, Strong led the group before his board drifted about 100 metres away, prompting a frantic but unsuccessful rescue attempt in deep, low-visibility water.
After more than two hours of searching from the boat, officials called off the operation on Thursday. Strong, a ten-year World Surf League veteran and top-ranked British competitor at the last two World Surfing Games, was mourned by GB Surfing, teammates Luke Dillon, Lucy Campbell and Alys Barton, who highlighted his skill, generosity and uplifting spirit.
Why it matters
The loss of a prominent surfer highlights the dangers of open-water sport and unites the international surfing community in mourning.
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