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

DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 17, 2012) - The Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region will close its three seasonal search and rescue stations in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence and Northumberland Strait on Friday December 21.

The stations at Souris and Summerside, Prince Edward Island, and Shippagan, New Brunswick, will close on that date.

Vessels from the three seasonal stations cannot operate in the ice-covered waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait. The stations will reopen in April 2013.

For its winter search and rescue operations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait, the Coast Guard uses icebreakers and, when needed, Department of National Defence aircraft. As well, Coast Guard can also direct vessels of opportunity to respond to emergency situations.

The Coast Guard's search and rescue stations are strategically located to provide prompt assistance to mariners in order to minimize loss of life, injury and property damage at peak times during the year.

For broadcast : DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA - On December 21, the Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region will close its seasonal search and rescue stations at Souris and Summerside, Prince Edward Island and Shippagan, New Brunswick for the winter. The stations will reopen in April.

Twitter Post: Coast Guard Atlantic Region's seasonal search & rescue stations at Souris, Summerside and Shippagan to close for the winter Dec. 21.

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

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Communications Branch
Maritimes Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
902-426-3550