In a heart-stopping incident that underscores the extreme dangers of big-wave surfing, Brazilian legend Carlos Burle faced one of the closest calls of his storied career this Wednesday at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. The 58-year-old was violently pulled underwater by an estimated 80-foot swell, leading to a tense, multi-stage rescue operation captured on video.
The Terrifying Wipeout and Underwater Ordeal
The dramatic moment unfolded as Burle, a pioneer in the sport, attempted to ride a massive wave often described by surfers as a 'bomb'. The towering wall of water, hitting him "with full speed and force," according to his team, crashed over him and dragged him deep below the surface. The Gigantes de Nazaré group shared footage showing Burle disappearing inside the monstrous wave, prompting immediate action from the safety team.
He remained submerged for a perilously long duration while rescue jet ski drivers Lucas Chumbo and Will Santana urgently searched the chaotic waters. When Chumbo finally located and grabbed the surfer, their relief was short-lived. Another powerful swell struck, knocking both men off the jet ski and back into the churning sea.
Heroic Rescue and On-Beach Medical Aid
Displaying incredible skill and composure, Will Santana then raced in on a second jet ski. He successfully extracted both Burle and Chumbo from the water, speeding them toward the safety of the beach. There, awaiting medical teams promptly administered oxygen to Burle, who was visibly struggling to regain his breath. Instagram Stories later showed the veteran surfer resting on the sand, receiving continuous care from the medics.
Following the ordeal, a grateful Carlos Burle took to Instagram to acknowledge his rescuers, stating unequivocally that they "saved my life." His team confirmed he was stabilized at the scene, placed under observation, and is now recovering.
Nazaré's Legacy of Extreme Waves and Risk
This incident highlights the raw power and inherent instability of Nazaré, a beach globally famed for producing some of the planet's largest surfable waves. Burle himself is no stranger to these giants, having ridden one of the highest waves ever recorded there back in 2013. His experience also includes being part of the rescue team for fellow Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira in a previous Nazaré accident.
In past interviews, Burle has spoken candidly about the perils of the sport, noting that big-wave riders spend a lifetime preparing for such critical moments. While fully aware of the hazards, the pursuit of riding these oceanic mountains continues. The location has also seen tragedy, with Brazilian surfer Márcio Freire losing his life there in 2023 after a wipeout during a big-wave session.
The swift, coordinated response by Chumbo, Santana, and the medical crew during Burle's latest wipeout was crucial in preventing a potential disaster. It serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between triumph and tragedy in the world of extreme surfing, where respect for the ocean's might is paramount.
