Breaking News: Two Gendarmes Injured in Audinghen Migrant Incident
Audinghen, Pas-de-Calais – In a dramatic turn of events, two gendarmes were hospitalized on May 31, 2025, after being struck by stones during an attempted migrant boat crossing. The incident occurred at around 3:30 PM on Tardinghen Châtelet beach, as authorities attempted to prevent the departure of a migrant boat.
Injuries and Response
The gendarmes, aged 26 and 27, sustained injuries to their arm and knee but were luckily not seriously hurt. They were taken to Duchenne hospital for treatment and were released after control exams confirmed no fractures but significant hematomas. Captain Olivier Niellen from the Calais-Boulogne company confirmed the incident and the injuries sustained by the gendarmes.
Incident Details
According to the gendarmerie, nearly 80 people attempted to access the sea, but the gendarmes managed to block their access. The migrants then threw “hundreds of stones” at the authorities, forcing them to use tear gas to control the situation. The gendarmerie vehicles were also damaged during the incident.
Migrant Crossing Crisis
This incident is part of a larger ongoing crisis involving migrant crossings from France to the UK. On May 31, British authorities reported that 1,194 people in 18 boats successfully reached the English coast, setting a record for the highest number of crossings in a single day since September 2022. The situation has been particularly intense, with authorities on both sides of the Channel struggling to manage the influx of migrants.
Local Perspective
Marc Sarpeux, the mayor of Audinghen, described the incident as “Caillaser by migrants,” highlighting the challenges faced by local authorities in dealing with such incidents. The crossing window is narrow, with migrants taking advantage of the few hours available to attempt the dangerous journey across the English Channel.
Future Implications
The migrant crisis is a complex issue with no easy solutions. Both French and British authorities are under pressure to find effective ways to manage the situation, balancing humanitarian concerns with border control measures. As the number of attempts to cross the Channel continues to rise, it is crucial to address the root causes of migration and find sustainable solutions.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates on this developing story and for in-depth analysis of the migrant crisis. Your feedback and engagement are essential as we strive to provide you with the most accurate and relevant information.