Annual Closure of Canadian Coast Guard Seasonal Search and Rescue Bases

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Nov. 28, 2013) - The Canadian Coast Guard will proceed with the annual closure of its seasonal search and rescue bases in Québec, Tadoussac, Kegaska, Rivière-au-Renard and Havre-Saint-Pierre around November 30, 2013. The Cap-aux-Meules base will close on December 31, 2013.

The Canadian Coast Guard's seasonal bases are strategically located to provide rapid assistance and reduce the number and severity of maritime incidents and risks to the environment.

The bases' 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.

During the winter, the Canadian Coast Guard mainly uses its icebreakers and, if necessary, any other vessels of opportunity, as well as Department of National Defence aircraft.

Search and rescue calls can be made to the Canadian Coast Guard 24 hours a day, 7 days at week at 1-800-463-4393, via cell phone by dialing *16 or through channel 16 on VHF radios.

For more information on the Canadian Coast Guard's search and rescue services, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

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