New Coast Guard rescue boat dedicated in Clark’s Harbour

A new search and rescue boat is now in service for the Canadian Coast Guard.

The Baie Des Chaleurs was dedicated in Clark’s Harbour, Shelburne County on Wednesday morning.

It’s the 13th of 20 new lifeboats to be put in place across the country, it’s got a top speed of 25 knots and a crew of four.

South Shore/St. Margarets MP Jessica Fancy says investing in the Coast Guard is vital.

“They are the ones that go on the water when we tell everyone else to stay off of it. The impact on what they do to help fishers, their families and those who make a living on the water, it’s something we really need to hold into account,” said Fancy.

Baie Des Chaleurs to dock at new Grand Passage station

The vessel will operate across the Atlantic coast until the new Grand Passage lifeboat station between Brier Island and Long Island is ready in 2027.

That will replace the existing facility in Westport.

The government says the new station will allow the Coast Guard to to maintain direct access to the passage and deliver essential coverage for the area.

The lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped, and crewed to respond to search and rescue incidents at sea.

They can 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.

The vessel sponsor is Patsy LeBlanc, the wife of former Lt-Gov. of Nova Scotia, Arthur J. LeBlanc.

She was on hand to take part in the bottle-breaking ceremony.