Professional surfer Arran Strong is presumed dead, four days after he went missing off the coast of Portugal.
The Autoridade Maritima Nacional (AMN) confirmed on Thursday (July 30) that the rescue teams have called off searches for the 28-year-old British surfer, according to the BBC.
The AMN said that they were made aware of Arran‘s disappearance around 11:30am on Monday (July 27).
“The young man disappeared at sea while crossing from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira,” officials shared.
Arran 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.
In a heartbreaking tribute to Arran on Instagram, Jose said that the surfer was like “a son” to him.
“We were there for a few minutes talking, when we started again, I let him go ahead,” Jose wrote as he shared his version of events. “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.”
He went on to write that he “paddled as fast as I could to get there, diving repeatedly,” to look for Arran.
“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,” Jose added. “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.”
Our thoughts are with Arran Strong‘s loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.
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