French Officials Call Off Search And Rescue Mission For Missing Quiksilver CEO For The Night

After nearly twelve hours, the search and rescue mission for missing Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes—which has included a number of helicopters, coast guard ships, and teams on foot combing the beaches for signs of life—has been called off for the night, according to sources on the scene. 

This morning around 7:30AM, Agnes went fishing, a common routine for the 54-year-old. Two hours after leaving the harbor, at around 9:30 this morning, his Mascaret III washed ashore near La Graviere, with no sign of Agnes, who is thought to have been alone on the boat.  

As a massive driving force behind one of the surf industry’s most powerful brands, Agnes has had an impact on countless individuals within the culture. 

“I love this man,” Kelly Slater wrote of his longtime friend, who he worked with closely during his decades at the top of the Quiksilver team totem. “Pierre Agnes went missing in Hossegor today when his boat washed ashore in the cold, early morning fog. 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.”

“Early this morning our CEO, Pierre Agnes, did what he did many mornings and went fishing on his beloved boat to start his day,” Quiksilver wrote in a press release just minutes ago. “Later in the morning his boat was recovered on the beach near his hometown and Pierre has not been heard from since. The Boardriders family and entire surfing world are devastated by this news. Given the situation on the ground is still evolving, our statements today will be limited. 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. Thank you.”