Monument Sterken Dries - Blankenberge

Sterken Dries, the statue honoring the fishermen , is a popular fisherman's monument. This memorial can be seen on the Blankenberge dike near the lighthouse at the harbor entrance.

The original statue was made in 1854 by the sculptor Guillaume Charlier d'Ixelles.

Sterken Dries was the nickname of the well-known Blankenberge fisherman Jurewyt Andries , who lived from 1818 to 1896. Dries was only afraid of one person. From his wife "Blondina" She was popularly called "Blondje". As a child he went tied to the basket on his father's back to sell fish to Wenduine and De Haan. Dad used to walk along the beach. When he arrived in De Haan , he found that he had lost his son along the way.

Andries found his house on his own ! That's why he was called a strong boy. Hence the name “Sterken Dries.

One of the lifeboats of the Blankenberge Volunteer Rescue Service also bears the same name .