British surfer Arran Strong, 28, is presumed to have died after searches for him off the Portuguese coast were officially halted.

Strong went missing on Monday morning while stand-up paddleboarding near Arrifana Beach in southern Portugal, with the National Maritime Authority (AMN) confirming the suspension of its search efforts on Wednesday night.

GB Surfing expressed profound sorrow, stating on Instagram that it was "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Arran Strong". The organisation highlighted his significant achievements, noting he was the highest-placed British male surfer at both the 2024 and 2025 ISA World Surf Games.

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

The AMN confirmed the end of operations, stating on its official website that "the search was called off early (on Wednesday) evening without the victim being located".

The authority detailed that Strong disappeared at sea after encountering difficulties while attempting to cross from Monte Clerigo Beach to Carrapateira. His friend, who was accompanying him, was rescued by a local fishing vessel, which also recovered Strong’s paddleboard.

Jose Maria Pyrrait, Strong’s long-time coach and the friend with him at the time, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. He recounted not seeing Strong become separated from his board and diving repeatedly in an attempt to find him.

Pyrrait poignantly added: "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’."

Strong was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - a genetic disorder that can cause lung damage, live damage and skin inflammation.

The European Lung Foundation paid tribute to him, writing on X: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arran Strong, ambassador for @Lovexair and much-loved son of @belivedomore, a valued contributor to the respiratory and Alpha-1 communities and ELF. Our heartfelt condolences to Shane, Arran's family, friends and the Lovexair community.”