The Canadian Coast Guard has added another modern, Canadian-built search and rescue lifeboat to its fleet, strengthening its ability to respond quickly to mariners in distress and keep Canadians safe on the water.

“The CCGS Mira Bay strengthens search and rescue off our coasts, helping our Coast Guard respond quickly and effectively to those in need. This new Bay Class lifeboat delivers on our commitment to safe, Canadian-built vessels.”

–The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“With the CCGS Mira Bay, we are strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to protect mariners and coastal communities while investing in our economy. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are building modern vessels here in Canada, supporting good jobs in our marine industry, and strengthening our domestic industrial capacity. This is how we keep Canadians safe while building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy.”

–The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant”

“For communities across Cape Breton, the ocean is part of our economy, our history and our way of life. The CCGS Mira Bay will help ensure Canadian Coast Guard crews have the modern equipment they need to keep mariners safe and respond when they are needed most. This is an important addition for Sydney and a proud moment for our coastal communities.”

–Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Glace Bay, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport 

“The addition of the CCGS Mira Bay to our fleet reinforces the Canadian Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities, making sure crews are well-equipped to respond when Canadians need them most. This new Bay Class lifeboat underscores our commitment to investing in safe, dependable, Canadian-built vessels that serve communities from coast to coast to coast.”

–Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard

• Keptin Stephen Augustine, Hereditary Chief, the vessel’s sponsor, had the honour of officially bestowing the CCGS Mira Bay with its name, marking the beginning of its service and enduring legacy. Before breaking the ceremonial bottle on the bow, Keptin Stephen Augustine, Hereditary Chief wished “fair winds and good fortune” to all who will sail on the vessel. 

• In 2018, Chantier Naval Forillon Inc of Gaspé, Quebec, and Hike Metal Products Ltd of Wheatley, Ontario, were awarded the construction of four new Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats each, in addition to the existing contract awarded in 2015 to build six Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats each. The total value of the contracts for these lifeboats was approximately $180 million. 

• The Canadian Coast Guard’s new Search and Rescue Lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped, and crewed to respond to incidents at sea. These vessels are self-righting and can operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore, maintaining a maximum 30-minute state-of-readiness at all times with a typical ability to respond the moment an alert is received.

• The Canadian Coast Guard’s high-endurance Search and Rescue Lifeboats are referred to as “Bay Class” vessels, as each one is named after a Canadian bay under the Vessel Naming Policy.

• The Canadian Coast Guard keeps waterways safe for mariners, protects the marine environment, and responds to approximately 6,000 calls for marine assistance each year. 

• To date, 30 small vessels have been delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. This includes 20 Search and Rescue Lifeboats, two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels, seven Hydrographic Survey Vessels and one Coastal Research Vessel.

• The Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program focused on renewing the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy fleets. The Strategy ensures that Canada’s marine agencies have the modern ships they need to fulfill their missions while revitalizing Canada’s marine industry, creating good middle-class jobs, and maximizing economic benefits across the country. 

Related products

• Video: New High-Endurance Search and Rescue lifeboats
• Video: How a ship gets built in Canada
• Backgrounder: High-Endurance Search and Rescue Lifeboats (Bay Class)

Associated links

• The Canadian Coast Guard Fleet
• National Shipbuilding Strategy
• Start Your Career with the Canadian Coast Guard

Muntaha Ahmed
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 343-541- 8843
Email: muntaha.ahmed@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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