In the coastal town of Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador, a new chapter in maritime safety has begun with the dedication of the CCGS Barrington Bay. This state-of-the-art Search and Rescue Lifeboat, known for its high endurance, is now officially part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of mariners navigating Canadian waters.
“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. This addition is especially significant for Newfoundlanders, whose lives and livelihoods are deeply connected to the ocean. The CCGS Barrington Bay will ensure greater safety and support for the maritime community in Newfoundland and beyond,” expressed the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“Today we officially welcome yet another search and rescue vessel into the Coast Guard fleet, marking an important milestone in our work to renew our fleet and rebuild our shipbuilding industry through the National Shipbuilding Strategy. This investment into the CCGS Barrington Bay will ensure that search and rescue crews have the state-of-the-art equipment that allows them to serve Canadians safely, efficiently, and effectively,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
Since its deployment in November 2023, the CCGS Barrington Bay has been serving the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, a testament to the Canadian government’s dedication to providing its coast guard personnel with the most advanced and reliable vessels. Constructed by Hike Metal Products Ltd., a shipbuilding company based in Wheatley, Ontario, the Barrington Bay is the 15th of its kind—a “Bay Class” Search and Rescue Lifeboat—delivered to the Coast Guard since 2017.
“Ensuring that harvesters and boaters are safe on the water in Newfoundland and Labrador is crucial. The CCGS Barrington Bay is a welcome addition to Burin, and I look forward to seeing the Canadian Coast Guard continue to augment its search and rescue capabilities in our proud Atlantic province,” said Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity.
The vessel’s official dedication was marked by a ceremony steeped in tradition. Local maritime veteran, Jerry Wagg, who has spent his life working in Canada’s marine industry, had the honor of sponsoring the vessel. As part of the dedication ritual, Mr. Wagg ceremoniously broke a bottle on the bow of the CCGS Barrington Bay, a gesture symbolizing good fortune and safe passage for the ship and its crew.
“The dedication of the CCGS Barrington Bay marks a great day for our personnel and for all mariners in Canadian waters. Having innovative search and rescue vessels like the CCGS Barrington Bay as part of our fleet only strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving services to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” explained Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard.
The introduction of the CCGS Barrington Bay into service is more than just the arrival of a new lifeboat; it signifies a key milestone in the Canadian Coast Guard’s ongoing modernization efforts. This dedication is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Coast Guard’s capabilities through the construction and delivery of 20 new Search and Rescue Lifeboats. The investment is a cornerstone of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which aims to rejuvenate Canada’s maritime sector by providing cutting-edge, Canadian-built vessels, while also generating jobs within the shipbuilding industry.
By the end of 2023, the National Shipbuilding Strategy had already directed over $26.5 billion in federal contracts to businesses across the country, with $5.38 billion allocated specifically to the Canadian Coast Guard. These investments are not only equipping the Coast Guard with the tools they need to protect Canada’s waters but are also stimulating economic growth and innovation in the marine sector.
“The dedication of the CCGS Barrington Bay marks a great day for our personnel and for all mariners in Canadian waters. Having innovative search and rescue vessels like the CCGS Barrington Bay as part of our fleet only strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving services to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” conveyed Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard.
The CCGS Barrington Bay’s dedication in Burin is a proud moment for the Canadian Coast Guard and a reminder of the critical role these vessels play in safeguarding lives at sea. With its arrival, the Barrington Bay joins a fleet that is more prepared than ever to meet the challenges of maritime safety in Canada.
