The Coast Guard will close its seasonal search and rescue bases in Quebec on Nov. 30, with the exception of Cap-aux-Meules, which will remain open for another month.

Of the 220 incidents responded to by the six Quebec stations since the spring, some 20 have been handled by teams based on the Islands, the Coast Guard reported. In addition to Cap-aux-Meules, the Coast Guard has search and rescue bases in Québec City, Tadoussac, Rivière-au-Renard, Havre-Saint-Pierre and Kegaska.

The later closure of the Islands station is explained by the absence of ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence compared to the river. The station will be in service as long as the vessel Baie-de-Plaisance is able to navigate, making it possible to continue medical evacuations from Entry Island by sea and to provide assistance to fishermen and kite surfers as needed.

During the winter season, Coast Guard icebreakers, supported by Canadian aviation, take over search and rescue operations in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Seasonal stations are expected to resume operations around April.