The last Canadian Coast Guard seasonal search and rescue base in Québec will close on December 30^th

Québec (Quebec) - The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will close its Cap-aux-Meules seasonal search and rescue base on December 30^th. Note that those of Quebec City, Tadoussac, Kegaska, Rivière-au-Renard and Havre-Saint-Pierre closed on November 30^th.

The seasonal bases' activities start in April, before boating season begins, and end in December. Once winter sets in, the CCG's rescue boats can no longer be used in the prevailing navigation conditions in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf, which include freezing spray and ice.

During the winter, the CCG 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 CCG at all times at 1-800-463-4393 or through channel 16 on VHF radios.

-30-