Search resumes for Quiksilver CEO missing off French coast

[BORDEAUX] A search resumed early Wednesday for the CEO of surfing brand Quiksilver, 24 hours after his empty boat washed up on a beach in southwest France.

Two maritime rescue boats were heading out off the coast near the resort of Biarritz looking for Pierre Agnes, who failed to return from a fishing trip Tuesday morning.

A helicopter was also likely to join the search for the 54-year-old, who had contacted the local harbour master to say he was returning late because of fog, according to a source close to the rescue team.

The French CEO's overturned motorboat washed up shortly after 9:15am (0815 GMT) on Tuesday at Hossegor, a famed surfing spot about 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Biarritz.

Three helicopters and two boats scoured the coast throughout Tuesday but failed to find any trace of the father-of-three.

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

Mr 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.

The CEO, a former member of the French national surfing team, grew up in nearby Capbreton.

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.

AFP