Elite Navigator's Extraordinary Story A True Measure of Strength and Vital Role of Emergency Preparedness

Newfoundland and Labrador experienced an incredible event last week with all seven crew of the Elite Navigator returning home after surviving an unimaginable 48-hours offshore in the North Atlantic. From the moment that the vessel was reported overdue on Thursday July 18th, concern for their safety was at the foreground of everyone’s mind in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across the country, as we braced for one of the worst tragedies at sea in recent history.

Thanks to extraordinary efforts by the Canadian Coast Guard, AR and military aircraft, as well as several inshore vessels, Eugene Carter, David Tiller, Toby Peddle, Harold Howell, Andy Hunt, Jordan Lee King, and Robbie Firmage, were all reunited with family, friends, and their communities on Saturday July 20th after enduring severe adversity that stacked the odds against them. When a fire suddenly broke out on their vessel, only five crew members had time to get into immersion suits before abandoning ship. Aboard the life raft, the crew were left without any communication equipment and unable to contact any emergency services.

Thick fog made visibility difficult for the first several hours of search and rescue efforts, but the crew held composure despite what was against them. They kept a flare for when visibility improved, and it was noticed late Friday evening – saving all seven lives. The video, shared with permission by Ryan Hart, captures the joy of hundreds from the community standing in celebration on the wharf at New-Wes-Valley while the “Lucky Seven” were ferried home, a scene that will be long remembered in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The event is a true measure of the strength of community, particularly in rural areas of our province, and a stark reminder of the risks taken every day by harvesters in the commercial fishery. It is also testament to the vital role of emergency preparedness and the importance of a professional, well trained Captain and crew! Thankfully, tragedy was avoided and the Lucky Seven will be remembered for their perseverance and ingenuity, but this near-disaster must also serve as an important turning point for necessary changes to be made for enhancing safety at sea.

FFAW will be connecting with each member of the Lucky Seven this week to welcome them home once they have rested and spent the necessary time with family and friends.