Tributes paid to GB surfer Arran Strong after search called off

Tributes have been paid to GB surfer Arran Strong after a search for the missing Briton off the Portuguese coast was called off.

Strong, 28, had gone missing off Arrifana Beach in Portugal while stand-up paddleboarding on Monday morning.

But the National Maritime Authority (AMN) confirmed its search was called off on Wednesday.

GB Surfing paid tribute to Strong, the highest-placed British male surfer at the 2024 and 2025 ISA World Surf Games, on Instagram, saying it was "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Arran Strong".

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It added: "Beyond his performances in the water, Arran was 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.

"His passing is a devastating loss to our sport and the wider surfing community, and he will be greatly missed."

AMN said in a statement on its official website: "The search was called off early (on Wednesday) evening without the victim being located".

Its statement added: "According to available information, the young man disappeared at sea after running into trouble while attempting to cross from Monte Clerigo Beach to Carrapateira; the friend accompanying him was rescued by a nearby local fishing vessel, which also recovered the board the victim had been using."

Long-time coach and friend Jose Maria Pyrrait was paddleboarding with Strong at the time and said he did not see him become separated from his board and dived repeatedly to look for him.

He said: "Arran was like a son to me. From the age of 10, he trained with me and spent weekends and holidays with me. As his mother said, he was like a son of divorced parents.

"My love for him was like another son that life gave me. Rest in peace, my 'son'."

(c) Sky News 2026: Tributes paid to GB surfer Arran Strong after search called off