Update
French authorities have suspended the search launched yesterday morning around 2:30 pm today Wednesday 31.
Thoughts are with the family, friends and those who worked closely with Pierre over many years at Quiksilver HQ and as team riders.
“At 14:35, after consultation with the director of the CROSS Etel, the maritime prefect of the Atlantic decided to suspend research at sea by directed means” was announced in a statement.
>>>>>>>>
Pierre Agnes CEO of Quiksilver has been declared lost at sea and huge search has been launched. The 54-year old waterman headed from Capbreton harbour in his boat at around 7:30 am (0630 GMT) as he would have done many times but the boat washed up later at Hossegor.
Pierre had radioed in to the harbour master to say he was postponing his return due to bad fog. But at 9.30am his empty boat was found washed up on the beach at La Graviere. A full search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Agnes, a great surfer and fisherman, knows the area and waves really well and would have done the trip thousands of times so everyone is somewhat stunned. He has been with Quiksilver 30 years. He became CEO in 2015.
Surf photographer Tim Nunn witnessed the scene as the surf was pumping:
“Literally just got out of water, everyone at La Graviere was looking for him in between sets. Five helicopters in the air, six boats, four jetskis, a boat washed up on the beach, so heavy ….”
The search is continuing through the night
Let’s hope he’s found safe soon.
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