The Seine placed under very high surveillance

In Paris, three river brigade vedettes are launched at full speed, targeting a boat behaving suspiciously, sailing on the Seine. In a few seconds, the police take possession of the lower deck. This is one of the dreaded scenarios for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games. As D-Day approaches, training is increasing. “It’s about working on the mobility of the agents involved in the exercise, and being prepared for any unforeseen event that we might be faced with”explains Sophie Malherbe, the commander of the river brigade.

The Seine must be monitored, as well as the quays, and it will be possible to disembark as quickly as possible. The mobilization of law enforcement will be unprecedented, with 45,000 police officers present on Friday, then during the Games, 20,000 security agents and up to 18,000 soldiers. In the meantime, the boats located along the Seine are being combed by sniffer dogs and combat divers. A military drone equipped with sonar can detect any suspicious objects in the river.