Monument of the Rescuers, Calais

The Monument of the Rescuers in Calais stands as a tribute to bravery at sea and honors the tragic story of Louis Gavet and François Maréchal. In October 1791, during a fierce storm, the two men heroically attempted to rescue the crew of a Dieppe fishing boat in distress near Calais’ harbor. Sadly, Gavet and Maréchal were swept away, becoming victims of their noble attempt.

Originally, a memorial was erected in 1791 to commemorate their sacrifice, placed along Calais’ ancient ramparts. However, with the demolition of the walls in 1895, the original monument could not be saved. In its place, sculptor Édouard Lormier was commissioned to create a new tribute. His bronze statue, inaugurated in 1899 on Boulevard des Alliés, symbolizes resilience and dedication. The statue shows a solid, bearded sailor, gazing calmly forward and bracing himself against a rock—a metaphor for courage against the forces of nature.

This monument, eventually relocated to the maritime district of Courgain in 1960, bears inscriptions honoring Gavet and Maréchal, along with the names of other local lifesaving figures. The bronze sailor, though not modeled after the fallen heroes themselves, captures the spirit of maritime courage. Each year, Calais honors those lost at sea with ceremonies, particularly during festivals on Ascension Thursday and August 15, preserving the memory of Gavet, Maréchal, and countless other rescuers in the collective heart of this maritime city.