by Kyveli Diener
Troubling reports from the southwest coast of France have officially declared Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes lost at sea after his flooded boat washed ashore unmanned just two hours after he set sail. Agnes, 54, left the harbor at Capbreton at 7:30 am local time Tuesday (6:30 pm Monday HST) and his 36-foot boat Mascaret III was found just north of La Graviere at 9:30 am, launching a search that has yet to turn up any results.
Agnes reportedly contacted port authorities shortly after his departure saying his return would be delayed by thick fog. It is unknown if he was alone on the boat, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
“We are hoping for a miracle. Very upsetting reports out of France this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with Pierre’s family as well as the search and rescue teams,” said World Surf League CEO Sophie Goldschmidt in a tweet.
UPDATE: The search for Agnes was formally called off at 2:35 pm local time Wednesday (just after 1:30 am Wednesday HST), Surfline reported. We join the global surf community in sending our deepest condolences to Agnes’ family and friends.