CCGS vessel McIntyre Bay officially christened in Prince Rupert waterfront ceremony on Wednesday

Mrs. Lorie Palmer did the honours as the Canadian Coast
Guard welcomed the McIntyre Bay official into service.
(photo from CCG)

A Wednesday afternoon ceremony at Northland Terminal served to officially christen the Canadian Coast Guard Ship McIntyre Bay and welcome it into service with the fleet.

The vessel which is stationed at the Seal Cove Prince Rupert Coast Guard base was christened in a dedication ceremony on the Prince Rupert waterfront. 

In their announcement of today's event the Coast Guard notes of the participation of a long time member of the Canadian Coast Guard family on the North Coast.

Derek Moss, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard Western Region joined Lorie Palmer, the Vessel Sponsor, in the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship’s bow. 

By tradition, a civilian is invited to sponsor a vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel “good luck”. 

The Canadian Coast Guard is proud to have Mrs. Lorie Palmer as the sponsor for the CCGS McIntyre Bay. 

In addition to being a long time business owner and active member of the Prince Rupert community, Mrs. Palmer is deeply connected to the Canadian Coast Guard family. 

She served as home-front support to both her father, and then her husband Les, who were both key members of the Canadian Coast Guard in Prince Rupert for many years.

(photo from CCG)

The new vessel for the North Coast is one of a group of high endurance self righting search and rescue vessels operating in British Columbia waters since 2019.

These new lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped and crewed to respond to search and rescue and environmental response incidents. 

These vessels will operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore, maintain a maximum 30 minute state-of-readiness. 

They are typically ready to respond the moment an alert is received. 

The McIntyre Bay's area of Operations include: Chatham Sound, Dixon Entrance, and Northern Hecate Strait.

More background on today's dedication ceremony can be reviewed here.

Following the afternoon dedication, the McIntyre Bay shifted berths to the Cow Bay Dock for an Open House on the Prince Rupert Waterfront.

Further items of note on the work of Emergency Responders on the North Coast can be found here.