British professional surfer Arran Strong, 27, has gone missing off the coast of Portugal, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. He disappeared on Monday morning while about a mile offshore from Arrifana.
Search Underway
Lifeboat crews, firefighters, and other emergency services began searching after the alarm was raised shortly after 11:30 am on Monday. The search resumed on Tuesday morning after pausing overnight.
Friend's Account
Photographer José Maria Pyrrait had been participating in a 560-mile paddleboarding marathon along the Portuguese coast with Strong. He shared a tribute on Instagram, writing in Portuguese: "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."
He added: "Arran was like a son to me. From the age of 10, he trained with me and spent weekends and holidays with me."
Surfing Career
Despite living with the rare Alpha-1 Antitrypsin disease, Strong became known for tackling some of Europe's biggest waves. He represented Great Britain at the 2024 and 2025 ISA World Surfing Games.
Tributes
A Surfing England spokesperson 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."
