Delivery of new search and rescue boats

Mario Pelletier, commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard: Good day, everyone. Today, I’m honoured to welcome the two new search and rescue lifeboats into our fleet, which hit the mid-mark, so that’s 10 out of 20 new lifeboats that we have ordered.

[Caption: CCGS La Poile Bay]

Each year, the Canadian Coast Guard responds to over 6,000 calls for marine assistance.

[Caption: CCGS Hare Bay]

Our search and rescue crew saves people whose lives are at risk and help vessels that are in imminent danger.

Our search and rescue lifeboats are a fundamental part of our fleet. They are stationed across Canada and support key search and rescue services including searches on the water, response to marine distress calls as well as assistance to disabled vessels.

The vessels are powerful. They can operate up to 100 nautical miles offshore, they maintain a 30 minute state-of-readiness, and they can respond to a call as soon as it comes.

I would like to congratulate the workers of Chantier Naval Forillon and Hike Metal for the construction of 10 search and rescue lifeboats. Your contribution ensures that the Canadian Coast Guard’s employees have the equipment they need to provide essential services to Canadians.