Pierre Agnes, 54, the CEO of Boardriders Inc, the parent company of Quiksilver and Billabong reportedly went missing at sea near Biarritz, France, on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, according to an Associated Press story in the LA Times. Boats and helicopters joined the search immediately.
According to Agence France-Press, Agnes went out in his boat early Tuesday and later told authorities that because of fog, he would return later than he’d initially planned. . . The port authority of the Atlantic beach town of Capbreton said the search was launched after Agnes’ empty boat was found washed up Tuesday in nearby Hossegor. In a statement, Boardriders said that 54-year-old Agnes had gone fishing on his “beloved” boat, as he often did in the mornings, and that he had not been heard from since.The port authority of the Atlantic beach town of Capbreton said the search was launched after Agnes’ empty boat was found washed up Tuesday in nearby Hossegor. In a statement, Boardriders said that 54-year-old Agnes had gone fishing on his “beloved” boat, as he often did in the mornings, and that he had not been heard from since.
Our thoughts are with the Agnes family and we continue to hope for the best.
[Link: LA Times via SurferToday]
[Update February 1, 2018: The search for Pierre Agnes has been called off (Wednesday, January 31, 2018) the day after his boat was found washed up on a beach, according to as story in the LA Times. “Maritime authorities had struggled with waves of up to 8 feet and poor visibility Tuesday. They called off the search on Wednesday afternoon after canvassing the area with two boats, a jet ski and three helicopters, saying there was little chance of Agnes being found alive. . . Water temperatures were in the low to mid-50s, and that stretch of coastline is known for its fast, big and heavy barrel waves, making it a popular spot for surfers. At this time of winter there are also perilous riptides and shifting sandbanks.”]
