Québec, Quebec - The Canadian Coast Guard will proceed with the annual closure of its seasonal search and rescue stations in Québec, Tadoussac, Kegaska, Rivière-au-Renard and Havre-Saint-Pierre on November 30th, 2020. The Cap-aux-Meules station will close on December 31st, 2020.
The Canadian Coast Guard's seasonal stations are strategically located to provide rapid assistance and to minimize the risk of injury or loss of life and to reduce the number and severity of maritime incidents and threats to the environment.
The stations' activities start in April, before boating season begins, and end in November. Once winter sets in, the Canadian Coast Guard's rescue boats can no longer be used in the prevailing navigation conditions in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf, which include freezing spray and ice.
During the winter, for search and rescue, Canadian Coast Guard mainly uses its icebreakers or any other vessels of opportunity and partnerships with other government departments, such as Canadian Armed Forces, who provide air support when necessary.
Any marine emergency can be reported to the Canadian Coast Guard at all times at 1-800-463-4393 or through channel 16 on VHF radios.
