October 3, 2013
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the acceptance of the fifth of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Hero Class vessels, the CCGS G. Peddle S.C.
“We are honoured to accept the CCGS G. Peddle S.C. into the Canadian Coast Guard fleet,” said Minister Shea. “This vessel, named after Canadian Coast Guard Chief Officer Gregory Paul Peddle S.C., will be used for fisheries enforcement duties in the Atlantic Region.”
Canadian Coast Guard Chief Officer Gregory Paul Peddle S.C., of Spaniard’s Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, lost his life on October 15, 1989. Chief Officer Peddle and his colleagues, Senior Engineer Pierre Gallien and Leading Seaman Raymond C. Welcher, died when their fast rescue craft overturned in an attempt to rescue a diver off Middle Cove, Newfoundland. For his courageous actions, he was awarded the Star of Courage.
The CCGS G. Peddle S.C. is a Mid-Shore Patrol Vessel that will be based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It was constructed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. A formal naming and dedication ceremony will follow.
The Hero Class vessels are 43 metres in length with a displacement of 257 tonnes and a top speed of 25 knots.
The Hero Class vessels are named for decorated soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. By naming these after Canadian heroes, the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.
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