The Quiksilver company has officially announced the death of its owner Pierre Agnès, whose boat was found stranded on 30 January in France.

"It is with profound sadness that we confirm today that the search and rescue efforts have failed to find our CEO, Pierre Agnès, who disappeared at sea last Tuesday morning", the Quiksilver press release read.

Quiksilver is one of the world's largest manufacturers of surfwear, and includes the Boardriders brand.

"The entire Boardriders family and thousands of people around the world who have been touched by his death, are mourning this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family and friends during this extremely difficult time," the statement continued.

The search for Pierre Agnès, 54, whose boat had been found stranded on 30 January in Hossegor, had been suspended on the afternoon of 31 January. According to France Blue Gironde, Mr Agnès had left Capbreton for a fishing trip, early in the morning of 30 January.

There were numerous shocked reactions from those in the surfing world and from the world of sport, in general.