Team England surfer Arran Strong has gone missing after participating in a paddleboard distance challenge off the coast of Portugal. The 27-year-old vanished after entering the water near Arrifana.
Search operations
Lifeboat teams, firefighters and other emergency services initiated a large-scale search, which was halted overnight before recommencing the next morning.
Witness account
Jose Pyrrait, who had been paddleboarding alongside him, said: "We stopped off Arrifana to drink water and take some pictures. We were there for a few minutes talking when we started again. I let him go ahead.
"Since my pace is faster, I always do that. When I stopped to wait for him I saw his board drifting about 100 metres away."I paddled as fast as I could to get there, diving repeatedly to look.
"I called my partner for help and the rescue started. We spent hours looking. Arran was like a son to me."
Background
Arran represented England at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games, as reported by NeedToKnow. He is a professional surfer living with the rare Alpha-1 Antitrypsin disease. Despite his condition, he gained recognition for taking on some of Europe's most formidable waves.
Tribute from Surfing England
A spokesperson for Surfing England said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arran Strong."Arran brought warmth and positivity to everyone he met and his loss will be felt deeply across the surfing community.
"A serious talent from an early age, Arran and his mum would travel from Portugal to compete in the UK and he went on to represent Team England and Great Britain on the world stage, most recently at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games.
"Beyond his achievements in the water, Arran will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the positivity he brought to those around him."He was respected and admired throughout the surfing community and will be greatly missed.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with Arran's family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched during this incredibly difficult time."
