Coast Guard makes 9 rescues over this year’s season

Canadian Coast Guard crews based in Rankin Inlet responded to rescues, performed training exercises and travelled more than 2,000 kilometres in western Hudson Bay this summer, according to a news release announcing the end of the 2023 operational season.

Operations of the Coast Guard’s Arctic Marine Response Station in Rankin Inlet, which also serves Chesterfield Inlet and Whale Cove, closed Wednesday.

Crews were involved in nine search and rescue cases and conducted two training exercises.

They travelled approximately 2,306 kilometres, the release said.

Training activities included Inuit knowledge education, oil spill training and survival skills development.

Exercises such as these help crews to better understand the area, and also improve collaboration and strengthen relationships with communities for future search and rescue operations, the release said.

It noted crews work closely with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Inuit communities and northern organizations to increase maritime safety in the Arctic.