On Tuesday morning, as he has done many times before, Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes set sail out of Capbreton Harbour in the early hours for a morning’s fishing on his 36-foot vessel Mascaret II. However, it soon became clear something went horribly wrong when the boat was found flooded and washed ashore at 9:30am to the north of La Graviere.
It is believed that Agnes sent a message to Port Authorities letting them know he would be delaying his return to the harbor due to thick fog.
The search for Pierre began soon after the discovery of his beached vessel, and it has now been reported that after a full day of searching by air, sea and foot, Pierre has not as yet been located. The search has now been called off for the night and will resume in the morning.
Kelly Slater was close to Pierre during the 11-time world champ’s time with Quiksiver and posted this heartfelt message on Instagram.
At the time of writing, Quiksilver had also released a statement:
"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."
