Portugal ends search for missing surfer Arran Strong

Portuguese authorities have officially ended the search for British professional surfer Arran Strong, who went missing off the country's southern coast on Monday, July 27, 2026. The Autoridade Marítima Nacional confirmed the decision on Thursday, July 30, after a multi-day operation failed to locate the 28-year-old athlete.

Strong disappeared during a paddleboarding segment approximately one mile from shore near Arrifana on Portugal's Atlantic coast. He was accompanying his friend and longtime coach, José Maria Pyrrait, on a portion of a long-distance stand-up paddle journey along the coastline. According to Pyrrait's account, the two had stopped near Arrifana to drink water and take photographs before resuming their paddle. Pyrrait, describing his faster pace, said he let Strong go ahead. When he stopped to wait, he saw Strong's board drifting unattended about 100 meters away.

Pyrrait stated he paddled to the location and dove repeatedly in an attempt to find Strong, but noted the area was deep and visibility was very poor. He immediately alerted his support partner on land, initiating a rescue operation. A nearby fishing boat rescued Pyrrait, and they spent an additional two...