The Canadian Coast Guard has dedicated one more Bay Class high-endurance search and rescue lifeboat into service.
The CCGS Barrington Bay has been in operation in Newfoundland and Labrador since November 2023. Built by Hike Metal Products Ltd from Wheatley, Ontario, this vessel is the fifteenth Bay Class search and rescue Lifeboat delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard since 2017.
By tradition, a representative was invited to sponsor the vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel “good luck.” The ceremony on July 30, 2024, included the breaking of a ceremonial bottle on the CCGS Barrington Bay’s bow by the vessel sponsor, Jerry Wagg.
Cheers to our new hero of the seas!?⚓ We're in full celebration mode at our #SearchAndRescue station in Burin, #NewfoundlandAndLabrador , as we OFFICIALLY welcome the CCGS Barrington Bay into our fleet! pic.twitter.com/m3iIMSzuuN
“I am thrilled to join the Canadian Coast Guard in officially welcoming the CCGS Barrington Bay into its fleet today. This state-of-the-art vessel enhances the Canadian Coast Guard’s capabilities to serve Canadians at sea and has bolstered our marine industry through its construction,” The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier , Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said on the occasion.
The dedication of the CCGS Barrington Bay is said to mark another important milestone in the construction and delivery of a total of 20 search and rescue lifeboats. This achievement is seen as a significant step in providing the Canadian Coast Guard with safe, modern, and Canadian-made equipment.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing in the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet and creating jobs in Canada’s shipbuilding industry and marine sector. As of the end of 2023, over $26.5 billion in federal contracts under the National Shipbuilding Strategy have been awarded to businesses across Canada. Of this amount, $5.38 billion is related to contracts for the Canadian Coast Guard.