French authorities launched air and sea search teams to find Pierre Agnes after they recovered his empty boat Tuesday.
Three boats and two helicopters are scouring France’s Atlantic coast today after 54-year-old Pierre Agnes went missing at sea, according to reports. The CEO of Boardriders Inc. – parent of Quiksilver, DC Shoes, and Roxy – was on a morning fishing trip Tuesday when he radioed to port authorities that “thick fog” would delay his return.
But the situation turned serious when Agnes’ boat washed ashore empty later that day in Hossengor. The area along France’s west coast is renowned among surfers for its intense, sometimes violent waves.
Authorities have not said if Agnes was alone on the boat, but rough seas were reported near the French Coast Guard’s search location.
Quiksilver CEO Missing at Sea
“The Boardriders family and entire surfing world are devastated by this news,” the brand said in a statement. “We are concentrating on working with the local authorities on the search and rescue effort and supporting Pierre’s family. Please keep Pierre and his family in your prayers.”
Boardriders confirmed that Agnes took similar fishing trips “many mornings” on his “beloved boat.”
Professional surfer Kelly Slater, a former Quiksliver athlete, took to Instagram to express his shock and grief.
“I love this man,” Slater wrote. “I’m praying for a miracle but it’s just starting to hit me what a profound effect this man had on my life and the surf community at large. He loved his morning fishing trips, family, Quiksilver, surfing, friends, motorbikes, Capbreton … I’m not even sure how to let it sink in.”
Agnes joined Quiksliver 30 years ago before rising to become CEO in 2015. We will update this story as news develops.
