Bulgaria and Romania Conduct Large-Scale Passenger Rescue Exercise on the Danube

On 10 November 2026, Bulgarian and Romanian rescue services conducted a large-scale international exercise, DANUBE RESPONSE 2026, near the Bulgarian city of Ruse to test their preparedness for major emergencies involving passenger vessels on the Danube River.

The exercise was initiated by the Regional Governor of Ruse, Prof. Lyubomir Vladimirov, and coordinated by the Directorate General for Emergency Response and Rescue of Bulgaria's Executive Agency Maritime Administration.

According to the exercise scenario, a passenger vessel carrying numerous passengers collided with a cargo ship near river kilometre 495 in the Port of Ruse area. Following the simulated collision, the passenger vessel lost steering control and ran aground on a shallow section outside the navigation channel, leaving several passengers injured.

The rescue operation began with a distress signal received by the River Information Centre in Ruse, followed by the immediate mobilisation of emergency response units.

The exercise involved the Bulgarian Maritime Administration, Bulgarian and Romanian border police, emergency medical services, the Executive Agency for the Study and Maintenance of the Danube River, fire and civil protection services, and the Bulgarian Red Cross.

Participants practised emergency communication, coordination between national authorities, passenger evacuation by water, first aid and the transfer of casualties to medical teams on shore.

A specialised emergency reception point was established at Pontoon No. 8 in Ruse, where medical personnel provided assistance to the simulated casualties.

The main objective was to assess operational readiness, response times and the effectiveness of cross-border coordination during emergencies involving multiple casualties on the Danube.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

Increasing transport activity and changing navigation conditions are making cross-border safety cooperation increasingly important throughout the Danube Region.

The Institute of Danube Research (IDR) considers joint rescue exercises an essential component of regional security because major incidents on international waterways may require the coordinated involvement of emergency services from several countries.

Particular attention should be given to harmonising emergency notification procedures, improving information exchange, establishing interoperable communication systems and developing joint response protocols.

For the Ukrainian section of the Lower Danube, the Bulgarian-Romanian experience is especially relevant. Similar cooperation mechanisms could be developed between Ukraine, Romania and Moldova, particularly around the ports of Izmail and Reni and along international navigation routes.

IDR emphasises that the effectiveness of emergency response depends not only on the availability of specialised equipment but also on continuous practical training and the operational compatibility of national rescue services.

The development of an integrated cross-border emergency response system should become a practical priority for regional cooperation and the protection of human life on the Danube.