Fluvia fire brigade conducts diving exercise at Avelgem container port

Avelgem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 17, 2026 – Fluvia fire brigade diving teams conducted a major exercise at the container port in Avelgem, West Flanders. The operation involved simulated underwater rescues amid shipping containers and port infrastructure. Emergency services from multiple zones participated in the highly visible training drill.

The exercise took place on the Leie River at Avelgem’s container terminal, a key logistics hub. Divers demonstrated advanced techniques for searching submerged vehicles and extracting casualties. Local authorities coordinated the event to enhance regional preparedness for water-based incidents.

Exercise Location and Setup

Avelgem container port serves as a vital inland shipping facility along the Leie River. The site features stacked containers, cranes, and deep-water docks, replicating real-world scenarios. Fluvia fire brigade selected this venue for its challenging conditions, including strong currents and low visibility underwater.

Teams deployed from the port’s quayside, using rigid-hull inflatable boats for approach. The drill commenced at 10:00 and concluded by 14:00. Spectators gathered along the banks, observing the coordinated surface and subsurface operations.

Participating Units and Roles

Fluvia fire brigade led the diving operations, drawing specialists from its regional dive centre. Support came from Avelgem fire station and neighbouring zones in Kortrijk and Waregem. Medical teams from AZ Groeninge hospital standby provided casualty simulation and triage.

Police water police unit secured the perimeter, enforcing no-sail zones. Port authority cranes assisted in positioning training props, including a submerged mock vehicle. Over 40 personnel engaged across roles.

Simulated Scenarios and Techniques

Divers executed searches in zero-visibility conditions using sonar and guideline systems. Primary scenario involved locating a car plunged into the river following a collision. Teams practised cutting tools on metal structures and victim extrication.

Additional drills covered container falls into water and person-overboard recoveries. Surface support managed communications via radio and surface-supplied air systems. Decontamination procedures followed each immersion.

Equipment and Technology Deployed

Specialised dive gear included drysuits rated for cold Leie waters, full-face masks, and bailout bottles. Underwater scooters enhanced mobility among containers. ROVs with cameras scouted ahead of manned dives.

Thermal imaging from drones aided initial location. Portable recompression facilities stood ready on shore. All equipment met European firefighting standards EN 14143 for surface-supplied diving.

Safety Protocols Observed

Pre-dive briefings covered hazards like entanglement in container chains and hypothermia risks. Buddy breathing drills ensured redundancy. Medical officer monitored vitals throughout via surface telemetry.

Incident command post at port entrance logged all movements. Weather conditions remained favourable with light winds and 8°C water temperature. No incidents reported during the exercise.

Regional Importance of Training

Fluvia zone covers 14 municipalities along the Leie and Scheldt rivers, prone to shipping accidents. Annual dive exercises maintain certification for 25 specialist divers. Avelgem port handles 200,000 TEU annually, heightening accident potential.

Similar drills occur seasonally to counter winter flooding risks. Collaboration strengthens inter-zone response times, targeting under 15 minutes for water incidents.

Historical Context of Fluvia Dive Team

Fluvia established its dive team in 2005 following major floods. Centre based in Harelbeke trains 200 divers yearly. Team responded to 2021 container ship fire aftermath and 2023 Lys River barge sinking.

Accreditations include Belgian Federal Public Service Interior certification. International exchanges with Dutch and French brigades enhance techniques.

Port Authority Cooperation

Avelgem Port Authority halted commercial ops for four hours, minimising disruption. Temporary buoys marked dive zones. Post-exercise cleanup removed props by 16:00.

Port manager noted value in familiarising emergency services with infrastructure. Annual agreements facilitate such trainings.

Public and Media Engagement

Local residents filmed the event, sharing footage on social platforms. VRT camerateams captured aerial views. Fire brigade issued press release emphasising public safety focus.

No road closures affected commuters. Port visitors received briefings on safety distances.

Broader Emergency Preparedness Efforts

West Flanders fire zones conduct joint exercises quarterly. Recent Kortrijk bridge collapse simulation involved 100 personnel. National framework mandates dive competency recertification bi-annually.

EU funding via Civil Protection Mechanism supports equipment upgrades. Interreg projects with Wallonia expand cross-border capabilities.

Lessons Incorporated from Past Incidents

2024 Ostend ferry sinking informed vehicle entry protocols. 2022 Ghent container immersion refined cutting techniques. Data from exercises feeds national incident database.

Post-drill debrief scheduled for January 18 at Fluvia HQ. Adjustments target response optimisation.

Future Training Plans

Fluvia schedules night dive ops in March at Mouscron locks. Summer mass-casualty river scenario planned with Red Cross. Virtual reality modules introduce recruits to port environments.

Expansion to 30 divers proposed amid rising inland shipping volumes. Partnerships with Antwerp port dive teams under discussion.

Contact and Further Information

Fluvia fire brigade communications: 

info@fluvia.be. Avelgem port updates via leieport.be. Exercise photos available on zone social channels.