Carlos Burle at Nazaré: the biggest wave ever surfed? - in pictures

Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara speaks to journalists at his warehouse after surfing the giant waves at Praia do Norte. McNamara rode the largest wave ever ridden in 2011, a monster at 78 feet from peak to trough. He returned in 2012, and although the wave has yet to be officially ratified, it's believed he broke his record Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

UK surfer Andrew Cotton surfs a giant wave. Speaking on his blog, Andrew said he 'wasn't even sure about surfing; my mission was to put Garrett on the biggest wave possible … Thank you Nazaré, you have the biggest, scariest, most beautiful waves I've ever seen' Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

Pedro Scooby surfs the crest of a smaller wave. Writing on Twitter shortly after the event, he thanked fellow Brazillian Carlos Burle for towing him into the biggest wave he'd ever surfed. He then posted this breathtaking video on Instagram Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

Carlos Burle shortly after being towed in to the gigantic wave Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

A view of the wave from the shore – an absolute monster Photograph: To Mane/Barcroft Media

The wave breaks around Burle Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

As the breaking wave overtakes him, Burle dives from his board into the water Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

Friends in jet skis rescue Burle from the water Photograph: Leonardo Mota/Corbis

Burle is greeted by Pedro Scooby after returning from the water. Shortly before his attempt, Burle had rescued fellow Brazillian surfer Maya Gabeira from the ocean. Gabiera had been dragged under the giant wave – Burle dragged her to shore where she was resucitated. Her life saved, her only injury from her ordeal is a broken ankle Photograph: Jose Sena Goulao/EPA

Carlos Burle, second right, and Garret McNamara, right, check the footage of what may turn out to be a world record Photograph: Miguel Barreira/AP