Dutch firefighters looking for training doll during exercise find actual body

A routine training takes a dark turn

Police have started an investigation into the discovery of a human body during a fire brigade training exercise. 

The Spaarndam fire department made a gruesome finding yesterday morning when a standard training went awry. 

As part of their training routine, a dummy was released into the Zijkanaal C at around 9 AM to be retrieved by firefighters in a diving exercise. 

Instead, divers discovered an actual human body. The Kennemerland Safety Region confirmed the find to the NOS.  

The discovery was quickly reported to local police and the area was designated a crime scene. A Special Intervention Unit retrieved the body at around 10:30 AM.

Identity of the body unknown

A spokesperson for the Kennemerland Safety Region tells RTL Nieuws that at the time of the discovery, police had not been aware of any missing persons in the area. 

The identity of the body has not been released by authorities. 

The case has now been handed to the police, who hope to find answers. 

If you have any information regarding the case, contact Dutch police at 0900-8844.

Feature image:Dreamstime

Accuracy, clarity, and a touch of humour — that’s DutchReview. Read our editorial mission.

Ida Allen-Auerbach
Ida Allen-Auerbach
Ida Allen-Auerbach is an Amsterdam-based writer and journalist originally from Los Angeles. She relocated to the Netherlands in 2021 for her bachelor’s studies, earning a degree in Political Science through UvA’s PPLE program. She now covers news at Dutch Review, drawing on her multicultural background to report on politics, society, and more. Outside of work, she's usually busy kickboxing or bouldering with friends.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Bag on the train seat next to you? NS says it now has to be in your lap (even on quiet trains)

We all hate to see it: your train pulls in and passengers already looks like sardines in a can. An even more aggravating sight?...

11 iconic things to do in Volendam in 2026

Whether you want to try on traditional Dutch klederdracht or taste fresh seafood along the historic De Dijk harbour, here are 11 iconic things...

Trump wants a toll on the Strait of Hormuz: Jetten says “we are not going to cooperate”

The US wants to charge 20% on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump announced on Monday. And Dutch prime...

It's happening

Upcoming events