International special units practice at sea in Zeebrugge

Special units from Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Italy took part in the exercise. Colleagues from Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States came to our country as observers or experts. The DSU (Directorate of Special Units) of the Belgian federal police was responsible for the organisation.

Hostage Situations

According to the police, the aim of the project was to optimize coordinated cooperation in crisis interventions between different European special units and to exchange experiences and expertise. The emphasis was specifically on hostage situations in a maritime environment or port area.

During the simulations, the special units had to bring the crew and passengers of the stricken ship to safety on the one hand and arrest the hostage takers on the other. They also practiced administering emergency medical care to the injured.