ST. ANTHONY, NL – The Canadian Coast Guard is conducting a detailed site analysis of its facility in St. Anthony for repurposing and refurbishment as a search and rescue lifeboat station.
According to a statement provided to The Northern Pen by the coast guard’s Atlantic region, factors that need to be considered include water depth, icing conditions and wharf facilities that could support mission activities of a SAR lifeboat station.
The St. Anthony site is one of seven new search and rescue lifeboat stations being opened in Canada. Brand new facilities are being built in Old Perlican and in the Twillingate area in Newfoundland and Labrador. The other four are located in British Columbia.
“These new search and rescue lifeboat stations, staffed by highly-trained crews, will improve response to maritime search and rescue incidents and other hazards 24 hours a day,” the statement reads.
Approximately $108 million is being invested in the initiative over the next five years.
Ongoing funding of $12.2 million will create 56 new positions to provide search and rescue services from the new stations.