According to local news outlet Belga, the arrested individuals had attempted to head out to sea to Scot Bremen while it was off Ostend with the aim of retrieving the cocaine and bringing it to shore.
The individuals were reportedly arrested just as they were about to board a small boat and depart the marina at the town of Blankenberge, which was around 15 nautical miles from where the tanker had been anchored prior to heading to Zeebrugge.
Local prosecutors have yet to file smuggling charges against the eight individuals.