ST. ANTHONY, N.L. — Josie Powell had an important job on Wednesday, July 10.
The St. Anthony woman had the duty to smash the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow to christen the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Pennant Bay.
It was one of the moments at the official opening of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new search and rescue station in St. Anthony.
Powell was chosen by the Coast Guard as the sponsor of the new 19 metre lifeboat. The Coast Guard selects sponsors for new vessels, choosing local citizens who are prominent and well-respected in the community.
Gudie Hutchings, Long Range Mountains MP, on behalf of fisheries and oceans minister Jonathan Wilkinson, officially opened the new station.
The new station was created under the Oceans Protection Plan to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to marine emergencies, including environmental response, in the waters off the Great Northern Peninsula.
Two existing buildings in St. Anthony, owned by the Canadian government at 72 West Street, were renovated to house the search and rescue station and a technical workshop.
A new storage building was also built on the site last fall and a new floating dock was constructed to accommodate the CCGS Pennant Bay.
“I am pleased to see a renewed Canadian Coast Guard presence in St. Anthony. Our relationship with the sea has formed who we are as a people and plays a vital role in both our economy and pastime activities,” said Hutchings. “This new search and rescue station and dedicated lifeboat deliver on the need for local marine safety resources in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
