Dutch Coast Guard trains for emergency evacuation
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| Rescuer lowers himself from a Dutch Coast Guard AW189 helicopter to recover people from a cruise ship. |
LIVEX
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Dutch Coast Guard held a major evacuation exercise (LIVEX24). This was one of the major Coast Guard exercises that are held every 5 years. Various aid organizations prepared for an emergency at sea with the LIVEX.
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Dutch Coast Guard held a major evacuation exercise (LIVEX24). This was one of the major Coast Guard exercises that are held every 5 years. Various aid organizations prepared for an emergency at sea with the LIVEX.
The goal was to bring a large group of people from a cruise ship at sea to safety on land. In addition to training one's own skills, attention was paid to cooperation between all services. Are the checklists still correct? Did everyone follow the same processes? Did everyone know his or her role in a real emergency? Did all means of communication work properly?
Ferry in distress
In 2024, training took place with a ferry in distress. A regular IJmuiden-Newcastle ferry from DFDS Seaways ('Princess Seaways') was used for this exercise. This ferry encountered ‘problems’ approximately 10 kilometers offshore from the port of Ijmuiden, after which a distress signal was sent.
Ferry in distress
In 2024, training took place with a ferry in distress. A regular IJmuiden-Newcastle ferry from DFDS Seaways ('Princess Seaways') was used for this exercise. This ferry encountered ‘problems’ approximately 10 kilometers offshore from the port of Ijmuiden, after which a distress signal was sent.
This distress signal was picked up by the Coast Guard and this was followed by impressive cooperation between various rescue services. The Coast Guard led the rescue operation on the water. The Kennemerland Safety Region set up a large location to accommodate the evacuees. Several ships, rescue boats from the KNRM, two Search And Rescue (SAR) Leonardo AW189 helicopters from the Duth Coast Guard, 2 NH90 helicopters from the Royal Dutch Navy, the Dash-8 Coast Guard aircraft, ambulances, emergency vehicles, control rooms and crisis teams were deployed.
Golf stroke
Due to the strong northern wind and the high waves offshore (a wave height of 1.5-2 meters), part of the exercise was carried out in the harbor to guarantee the safety of the volunteers in the life rafts. These volunteers floated in the life rafts for some time within the shelter of the harbor, after which they were 'rescued' by the various ships. In addition to professional and volunteer care providers, 500 extras also participated in this exercise. These extras were recruited through local advertisements.
The first helicopters to fly to the ferry brought emergency workers and firefighters to the ship. The first passengers were then taken to the coast by helicopter. 'Heliport Ijmuiden' was used for the helicopters, on a headland near the locks of Ijmuiden.
Golf stroke
Due to the strong northern wind and the high waves offshore (a wave height of 1.5-2 meters), part of the exercise was carried out in the harbor to guarantee the safety of the volunteers in the life rafts. These volunteers floated in the life rafts for some time within the shelter of the harbor, after which they were 'rescued' by the various ships. In addition to professional and volunteer care providers, 500 extras also participated in this exercise. These extras were recruited through local advertisements.
The first helicopters to fly to the ferry brought emergency workers and firefighters to the ship. The first passengers were then taken to the coast by helicopter. 'Heliport Ijmuiden' was used for the helicopters, on a headland near the locks of Ijmuiden.
Text and Pics: Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije
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