Canadian Coast Guard's Seasonal Search and Rescue Stations Close for the Winter

DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 7, 2015) - The Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region seasonal search and rescue stations in Souris and Summerside, Prince Edward Island and Shippagan, New Brunswick will close on December 23.

Stations at Lark Harbour and Port aux Choix, Newfoundland and Labrador will close on December 9, 2015.

The vessels from the seasonal search and rescue stations cannot operate in the ice-covered waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The seasonal stations will resume operations in April.

The Canadian Coast Guard's stations are strategically located to provide assistance as quickly as possible in order to minimize loss of life, injury and property damage in the maritime environment at peak times during the year.

For winter search and rescue operations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Canadian Coast Guard uses icebreakers and calls on vessels of opportunity as well as Department of National Defence aircraft, when necessary.

QUICK FACTS

• Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic, 24-hour marine emergency response telephone number 1-800-563-2444 or 1-800-565-1582

For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.