North Sea maritime rescue exercise involves Belgium, France, and Netherlands

A large-scale international maritime search and rescue exercise took place in the Belgian North Sea on September 10. Part of the Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO), the drill involved cooperation between the coast guards of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.

The simulation involved a scenario requiring the rescue of approximately thirty people. The operation was coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Oostende. Participating assets included Belgian defense and maritime service vessels, such as the Pollux and Sirius, as well as rescue helicopters from France and Belgium and a Dutch Coast Guard aircraft.

Belgian officials noted the importance of such exercises for cross-border cooperation. Minister of Defense Theo Francken stated that training with neighboring countries strengthens interoperability, ensuring that various resources can be combined effectively during real emergencies.