An Indigenous blessing and a ceremonial bottle on the ship’s bow officially named a Canadian Coast science vessel the Sir John Franklin in a ceremony in Sidney Thursday.
The ship is the first of three offshore fisheries science vessel being built under the national shipbuilding strategy.
It’s official! Today was the official naming and dedication to service ceremony for our new Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel CCGS Sir John Franklin. This addition to the Western Fleet demonstrates the importance of equipping the Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists with modern technology to complete their programs. With a home port at the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, British Columbia, the vessel will soon be out on its own missions. Watch for it! http://ow.ly/9AlX30prkXq
Posted by Canadian Coast Guard on Thursday, August 29, 2019
Tradition states a civilian is invited to sponsor a vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel “good luck”. Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe, a marine scientist and the first woman to lead a deep-sea science expedition on Canada’s West Coast, was the vessel’s sponsor.
The coast guard was to take ownership of the vessel in 2017 but that was before welding defects were discovered, forcing it back in for more work.
The vessel also collided with the Ogden Point breakwater in March while returning from its first week of sea trials, which damaged its rudder and main propeller shaft, requiring repairs.
The homeport for the CCGS Sir John Franklin will be the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney.
CHEK News
