On Saturday 4 July 2026, the Dutch coastline once again became the stage for one of the country's premier search and rescue demonstrations as SAR Katwijk 2026. Organised by the Katwijkse Reddingsbrigade, the annual event brought together an impressive collection of emergency services from across the Netherlands for a day dedicated to showcasing the professionalism, cooperation and innovation behind modern rescue operations.
Throughout the day, rescue scenarios unfolded on the beach, at sea and in the skies above Katwijk. Lifeboats, rescue brigades, fire and ambulance services, police units and airborne assets—including helicopters and the Dutch Coast Guard's Dash 8 surveillance aircraft—demonstrated how multiple organisations work together during incidents where every second counts.
More than just a public display, SAR Katwijk 2026 offered visitors a unique insight into the teamwork, specialised equipment and operational procedures that help keep the Dutch coastline safe. Combining realistic demonstrations with static displays and opportunities to meet the crews, the event once again proved why it has become one of Europe's most respected search and rescue showcases.
The Dutch Coastguard was present with an AW189 helicopter and their Dash8 surveillance airplane. The helicopter was also part ot the static display on the boulevard and operated from there.
The airplane participated in a simulated Drugs transport interception and made a couple of low passes along the coastline. The Coastguard helicopter hoisted people on and of a lifeboat as well as a medical evacuation of a person from the Multraship Protector, although that was far out to sea and barely visible to the public.
Among the other participants were the Airbus Helicopters H-145-D3 of Noordzee Helicopters Vlaanderen. They normally provide the transport of Dutch harbour Pilots from the Pistoolhaven in Rotterdam to various boats approaching the Dutch Coastlines.
The newest member of the fleet for ANWB MMT was also present as a static exhibition on the boulevard. The helicopter isn't yet equipped with equipment but allready has the orange and blue stripes. In the near future the helicopter will receive the mission equipment in Bonn (Germany)
Also present in the morning was a police helicopter, first assisting in the scenario of a drugstransport interception. Later on they returned to show the "rescue stick", a flotation device, which they throw out of the helicopter to a person in the water until help arrives.
Offcourse various boats of the KNRM also participated in the event. Lifeboats from IJmuiden, Katwijk, Noordwijk and Scheveningen were present. As well as a policeboat. Luckily there was a nice breezy wind which made for some nice waves in the water. Also the launching from the beach into the sea from the tractors was very nice to see.
