Search begins for missing Quiksilver CEO after boat found empty near Hossegor

Fears grow for Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes who has been declared missing at sea after his empty boat washed ashore on the French coast.

Pierre Agnes, the CEO of Quiksilver, has been declared missing at sea after his boat was found empty on a beach in Hossegor, southwestern France.

A search is under way for the chief executive of surfing brand Quiksilver after his empty boat washed up on a beach in southwest France, officials said.

Pierre Agnes, 54, had ventured out about 7.30am (5.30pm AEDT) on a routine fishing trip before contacting the local harbour master to say he was delaying his return because of fog.

The boat washed up shortly after 9:15am at Hossegor, a famed surfing spot about 30 kilometres north of Biarritz, the local authorities said in a statement.

Three helicopters and two boats were continuing their search for Agnes after dark but searches on land were suspended.

Rough seas were reported in the search area, though wind was light and visibility good.

Quiksilver, an iconic Australian surfwear company now based in the US, recently changed its name to Boardriders, regrouping its other brands including DC Shoes and the Roxy clothing brand.

Boardrunners released a statement, asking the public to keep Agnes in their prayers.

“Early this morning our CEO, Pierre Agnes, did what he did many mornings and went fishing on his beloved boat to start his day,” the statement read. “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.”

The speedboat belonging to Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes lays ashore on the beach of Hossegor, southwestern France.

Agnes, who joined the company nearly 30 years ago, was long based at Quiksilver’s European headquarters in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, just south of Biarritz.

Earlier this month Boardriders said it was preparing to buy its Australian rival Billabong, creating a group that would have a combined 630 stores in 28 countries.

An American investment group, Oaktree Capital, controls Boardriders and already owns 19 per cent of Billabong.

AFP