Well respected Brazilian big wave surfer Maya Gabeira was rushed to hospital following a near drowning today at Nazare, Portugal.

Maya, along with a host of other big wave chargers joined Hawaiian Garret MacNamara for the Zon North Canyon – a series of live broadcasted sessions taking place at the heaving Portuguese beachbreak where Garret caught the world record 90-foot-plus wave last year.

According to a report on Surf Europe, Maya was pulled from the water unconscious, before being resuscitated on the beach and rushed to hospital, where she is now recovering.

She posted this thumbs-up pic to her Facebook profile, along with a message to her fans:

“My dear friends, a broken ankle. Nothing more… Some salt water, but you know! I just need some prayer for a speedy recovery!!! Love u all…”

Below is a news report about the incident, which shows the courageous charger being rescued from a perilous situation.