Search halted for GB surfer who disappeared in sea

Tributes have been paid to surfer Arran Strong, after searches for the Briton who went missing off the coast of Portugal were called off.

The Autoridade Maritima Nacional (AMN) confirmed to BBC Sport that its search for the 28-year-old, which started soon after he went missing on Monday morning, was halted on Thursday.

Strong, who lived in Portugal, had competed in the World Surf League for 10 years and represented Great Britain at each of the previous two World Surfing Games - finishing as the highest ranked British representative on both occasions.

"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," GB Surfing said in a statement on Instagram, external on Tuesday.

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

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Arran's family, friends, team-mates and all those whose lives he touched."

The AMN said it was alerted to Strong getting into difficulties in the water off the Atlantic coast in southern Portugal at 11.33 BST on Monday.

It said: "The young man disappeared at sea while crossing from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira.

"His friend, who was with him, was rescued by a local fishing boat that was nearby."

The friend was Strong's coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, who said he did not see the moment in which Strong went missing.

Pyrrait wrote on Instagram, external that they had stopped to drink water and take photos, before setting off again with Strong initially in the lead, before the coach overtook him.

"When I stopped to wait, I saw your board drifting about 100 meters away," he wrote.

"I paddled as fast as I could to get there, diving repeatedly looking for you, but we were in a deep area and visibility was very short. I called my partner on land for help, who automatically activated the rescue."

Pyrrait said they had spent another two and a half hours looking for Strong from the boat.

"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," he wrote.

"Rest in peace my 'son'."

Tributes were paid from many of Strong's team-mates and friends in surfing.

GB Surfing performance coach Luke Dillon wrote: "Hearts so heavy. Fought so many battles and lived life to the fullest always carrying a smile and infectious laugh. Sending love to Arran's family and friends."

Eight-time British national champion Lucy Campbell wrote: "The world is going to miss that smile so much. Sending my love and hugs to you all."

Fellow English women's surfing champion Alys Barton wrote: "Arran, we competed together for so many years and you were always the one encouraging everyone around you.

"Thank you for always smiling, believing in others and lifting everyone up. You will be deeply missed."