Search for missing kite surfer stood down after board found

A search for an 18-year-old kite surfer who went missing during Storm Boelo has been called off after his kite and board washed up on the shore on Scheveningen.

The family of the man said they were “preparing for the worst” after police said there was only a small chance he was still alive.

The man was reported missing at around 2pm on Sunday, as gale force winds and high waves battered the Dutch coast. A lifeboat and helicopter searched the waters, but rescue efforts were hampered by the weather.

The search around the Zuidelijk Havenhoofd was stood down at around midday on Tuesday after the man’s board was recovered.

A spokesman for media liaison organisation Namens de Familie said his the man’s family were “grateful for all support from everyone” and had not given up hope.