This is the spectacular moment two surfers fight against a flurry of gigantic waves in a battle to keep their heads above water.
Incredible drone footage shows professional big wave surfer Alex Botelho, 27, paddling into a huge wave in Praia do Norte beach, near the fishing village of Nazare, in Portugal.
As the daredevil attempts to drop the wave, he is wiped out by the sheer force of the water and is sent crashing off his board.
Fellow surfer Hugo Vau, 40, rides a jetski to try rescue his friend, but by the time Botelho reaches the surface of the water a giant wave comes crashing down on him once again.
After the two first waves, Hugo Vau is finally able to rescue Botelho with the jetski, and they rush to find Botelho’s surfboard.
When they finally find the surfboard, a rogue wave capsizes the jetski and both Vau and Botelho get dragged in different directions.
Alex Botelho, 27, was wiped out by a massive wave at Praia do Norte beach, near the fishing village of Nazare, in Portugal
Fellow surfer Hugo Vau, 40, rides a jetski to try rescue his friend, but by the time Botelho reaches the surface of the water a giant wave comes crashing down on him once again
Vau fights to try and get back on his jetski, rushing against time as another wave comes at him full speed.
But knowing he won’t reach the vehicle on time he dives deep underwater in what might’ve been a lifesaving decision.
The next wave breaks directly on top of the jetski and he probably wouldn’t have survived the impact.
Both surfers eventually swam to shore and suffered no injuries. The jet ski was also washed ashore and only lightly damaged.
The pair battle against the sea as they clamber to get back on the jetski
Praia do Norte is renowned for its powerful and dangerous waves and attracts surfers from around the world – and it is where the largest wave ever surfed was recorded
The incident took place on February 16, during one of the last substantial Big Wave sessions of the winter.
Praia do Norte is renowned for its powerful and dangerous waves and attracts surfers from around the world.
In 2011 Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara set a world record there for the largest wave ever surfed, at 78ft.
The shallows seen here are considered the most dangerous spot on the beach. Writes filmer Pedro Miranda: ‘Waves can be unpredictable and terribly thick, the foamy white water makes it very difficult to manoeuvre the jet skis, and that’s where most accidents happen.’
Both Vau and Botelho are no strangers to Nazaré and are among the most skilled watermen in the world with many years of experience in Praia do Norte.