One of the pioneers in giant wave surfing, Brazilian Márcio Freire, 47, died this Thursday afternoon (5) after suffering an accident in the sea at Praia do Norte, in the city of Nazaré, in central Portugal. The region, which is known for its large high waves, attracts surfers from all over the world and has already been the scene of serious accidents, such as the one that occurred with fellow Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira in 2013. Márcio Freire, however, was the first victim of a fatal accident recorded in the so-called "Nazaré's Cannon".
According to information from the Maritime Police, the surfer was rescued and towed by jet ski to the sand, where the lifeguards found that he was in cardiac arrest. Resuscitation procedures began immediately and continued until rescue teams arrived. "After several attempts [to resuscitate him], it was not possible to reverse the situation, and death was declared on the spot by members of INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency)", says, in a note, the Portuguese maritime authority.
Born in Bahia, Márcio Freire was one of the pioneers in giant wave surfing. The athlete accumulated adventures on several beaches around the world.
Translated by Cassy Dias