Prince Rupert, British Columbia - The Canadian Coast Guard plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of mariners and protection of Canada's marine environment. This is why providing the Canadian Coast Guard members with the vessels they need to continue to deliver critical services to Canadians through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today the Canadian Coast Guard officially welcomed the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) McIntyre Bay to its fleet during a dedication to service ceremony held at the harbourfront in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
Derek Moss, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard Western Region joined Lorie Palmer, the Vessel Sponsor, in the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship's bow.
By tradition, a civilian is invited to sponsor a vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel "good luck". The Canadian Coast Guard is proud to have Mrs. Lorie Palmer as the sponsor for the CCGS McIntyre Bay. In addition to being a long time business owner and active member of the Prince Rupert community, Mrs. Palmer is deeply connected to the Canadian Coast Guard family. She served as home-front support to both her father, and then her husband Les, who were both key members of the Canadian Coast Guard in Prince Rupert for many years.
The CCGS McIntyre Bay is a high endurance self-righting search and rescue lifeboat that has been operating in British Columbia since 2019. Stationed at the Canadian Coast Guard's Prince Rupert station, its operational area includes Chatham Sound, Dixon Entrance, and Northern Hecate Strait.
These new lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped and crewed to respond to search and rescue and environmental response incidents. These vessels will operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore, maintain a maximum 30 minute state-of-readiness, and are typically ready to respond the moment an alert is received.
These vessels are being stationed across Canada to provide key services including searches on the water, responding to marine distress response calls, environmental response operations as well as assistance to disabled vessels.
