Berck-sur-Mer: Extraordinary Rescue Operation Frees Dozens Trapped by the Flood

Berck-sur-Mer – 06/22/2026: On Monday afternoon, several groups of walkers in Berck-sur-Mer were caught off guard by rapidly rising floodwaters. Around 3:40 PM, the first emergency call was made from the Esplanade Parmentier, where about 50 people were trapped by the flood. Another incident occurred near the Berck lighthouse, where 15 more people were in danger.

Rescue services responded immediately to the distress calls. Involved organizations included the fire department, lifeguards from the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM), the civil protection organization, the Centre Régional Opérationnel de Surveillance et de Sauvetage (CROSS), and the Dragon 50 rescue helicopter team. Jet skis and an air-cushion boat were also deployed to reach those trapped.

In the first rescue operation, all 50 people were successfully evacuated. Twelve of them were rescued by helicopter, 25 more by the SNSM and civil protection rescue boats, and twelve others by the Étaples rescue boat in the southern area. A total of 49 people were involved in this initial intervention, including a 50-year-old woman who was slightly injured.

Simultaneously, another rescue operation was carried out near the Berck lighthouse, where 15 people were similarly trapped by the floodwaters. Rescue teams continued their search along the beach to ensure no other individuals were in danger.

These incidents highlight once again the dangers of rapidly rising tides along the coast. In Berck-sur-Mer, as in other parts of the Côte d’Opale, water can rise quickly and encircle walkers within minutes. Before venturing onto the mudflats, it is therefore essential to consult tide schedules and leave the beach well before high tide.

Since 2018, the town of Berck-sur-Mer has launched the “Vigie Marée,” a citizen initiative for prevention and awareness of tide-related hazards. Starting May 15, this system will be enhanced by the deployment of a drone from the Pas-de-Calais civil protection to improve surveillance of the area and offer greater safety to walkers.

The maritime prefecture of Normandy and the North Sea reminds sea and coast users to check weather forecasts and tide times before any outing. It is recommended to carry a working communication device, always keep a visual reference point and a refuge on land, and avoid going onto the mudflats if there is doubt or lack of knowledge about the conditions.

In case of an emergency at sea or on the coast, contact CROSS at 196.