Tragic Loss: British Surfer Arran Strong Presumed Dead

Professional surfer Arran Strong has been presumed dead after disappearing off the coast of Portugal. The UK’s sports governing body confirmed this tragic incident, which occurred four days ago.

The 28-year-old was with his coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, a mile off the coast when they paused to drink water and take pictures. Pyrrait allowed Strong to go ahead and soon lost sight of him.

“We stopped off Arrifana to drink water and take some pictures,” Pyrrait wrote on Instagram. “I let him go ahead, since my pace is faster. I always do that. When I would catch him and get a short lead, I’d stop and wait.”

Unfortunately, this time Pyrrait saw Strong’s board drifting about 100 meters away. He hurried to reach it, diving repeatedly in a deep area with poor visibility.

Pyrrait quickly contacted a partner on shore for assistance. A local fisherman, using the boat’s sonar, helped to search the area for Strong for nearly two and a half hours.

The Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) told BBC Sport they received an alert about Strong at 11:33 BST Monday. “The young man disappeared at sea while crossing from Monte Clerigo Beach to Carrapateira,” said the AMN.

Strong’s friend was rescued by a nearby fishing boat. The search for Strong was halted by the AMN on Thursday. Pyrrait expressed deep sorrow over Strong’s loss, describing him as a “son.”

“Arran was like a son to me,” Pyrrait wrote. “He had been training with me since he was ten; I loved him as if he were another son life had given me.”

Strong once expressed he would die young. Pyrrait finds small solace in Strong passing in the sea he loved. Despite the profound pain, life must continue.

Arran Strong was a top British surfer, representing Great Britain in recent World Surfing Games. He competed in the World Surf League for ten years.

GB Surfing issued a statement on Strong’s “tragic passing,” highlighting his contributions to the sport and community.

“Arran proudly represented Great Britain, finishing as our highest-placed male surfer. His presence and passion for surfing made a lasting impression,” the statement noted.

Strong’s passing is a significant loss to the sport and community. He will be deeply missed.