Canadian Coast Guard Welcomes the CCGS Gabarus Bay Into Service

The Canadian Coast Guard has officially welcomed the CCGS Gabarus Bay to its fleet at the Lifeboat Station in Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador. This high-endurance search and rescue vessel is designed, equipped and crewed to respond to mariners needing assistance at sea.

In 2018, Gaspé, Quebec’s Chantier Naval Forillon and Wheatley, Ontario’s Hike Metal Products Ltd were awarded the construction of four new search and rescue (SAR) lifeboats each, building on the existing contract awarded in 2015 to build six SAR lifeboats each. The total value of the contracts for the SAR lifeboats is $180 million.

Gary Ivany, Assistant Commissioner Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region, alongside Elder Elaine Ingram and vessel sponsor Glen Hann, participated in the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship's bow.

In December 2022, CCGS Gabarus Bay was the 13th search and rescue lifeboat accepted by the Government of Canada and was delivered to Burgeo in April 2023. The vessel is one of 20 new search and rescue lifeboats that will be dedicated into service by the Canadian Coast Guard across the country and named after geographical Canadian bays.

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.

"Our Government will always be there to protect our mariners and, through the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, will give them the resources they need to do their jobs safely. The CCGS Gabarus Bay will enable Coast Guard staff to respond safely, effectively and efficiently to rescue incidents using state-of-the-art equipment."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthiller, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"To the people of the Long Range Mountains in Newfoundland and Labrador, the CCGS Gabarus Bay stationed in Burgeo is a reassuring presence. We are people of the sea in coastal communities. Many rely on the water for their livelihood, recreation, and simply enjoyment. This vessel now gives peace of mind to all those on shore for folks to return safely."

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador