THIS is the terrifying moment surfer Alex Botelho was dragged out of the sea unconscious after being launched into the air by two waves.
The Canadian-born Portuguese was competing in the Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge on Tuesday in Portugal when disaster struck.
Botelho was being taken out of an impact zone by partner Hugo Vau on a jetski after he was wiped out.
But they were caught up in a huge swell and got stuck in the middle of two waves that crashed against each other with ferocious force.
The impact catapulted both into the air before another massive wave landed on top of them, sweeping them back towards the shore.
Terrified onlookers rushed into the ocean to check on his welfare as they quickly realised the severity of the incident.
Botelho was rescued from the ocean and put in an ambulance before being rushed to hospital where he regained consciousness.
'STABLE AND CONSCIOUS'
A statement from the World Surf League read: "Currently, he is stable and conscious.
“He will stay at the hospital for further evaluation.
"A heartfelt thank you to the safety and medical teams for their quick response. We are wishing Alex a full and speedy recovery.”
Vau somehow appeared to escape unscathed after high winds resulted in waves of around 45 feet.
Fellow Portuguese surfer Nic Von Rupp took to Instagram to share the life-threatening incident.
He wrote: "Today I was confronted with the reality of our sport.
“Heartbreaking watching my brother [Botelho] between life and death right in front of the eyes of the world. Honestly, very few would have survived.”
Competitors were warned of the "mind-boggling waves" ahead of the Challenge.
Today I was confronted with the reality of our sport, heartbreaking watching my brother @alex_botelho between life and death right infront of the eyes of the world. Honestly, very few would have survived, just a beast of a human like Alex to pull thru.. not only because the strong human he is, but mostly for the love many people have for him praying to pull thru. Love you brother, to many more sessions!!! Best recovery to you guys @hugovau @alex_botelho
A post shared byNic von Rupp (@nicvonrupp) on
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