The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, in the noble tradition that defines our existence as a people, every day, thousands of men and women in this province take to the sea to earn their living from the fishery.

There is no greater fear for the communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador than to hear the news that one of our fishing boats has gone missing.

Yet that was the news we received in July when the Elite Navigator and its crew of seven were reported missing, its last known location about 300 kilometres northeast of Gander.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. Thanks to the efforts of the fishing community, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Armed Forces and boat owner Glenn Mouland, who never gave up hope, the Elite Navigator was found.

The crew, Eugene Carter, David Tiller – who is here with us today, Toby Peddle, Harold Howell, Andy Hunt, Jordan Lee King, and Robbie Firmage, were safely returned to their loving families.

Mr. Speaker, I will never forget that day as we celebrated along with hundreds of others in the New-Wes-Valley community, as the Lucky Seven entered their home port.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the incredible strength and resilience of this crew, and once again thank everyone involved in the search and rescue effort for making this an ending we will all remember for years to come.