In recognition of the remarkable journey and story of survival of the Elite Navigator crew, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that a bronze plaque will be installed in New-Wes-Valley to forever mark their safe return.

On July 18, 2024, the fishing vessel Elite Navigator, with a crew of seven, was reported overdue about 250 kilometres northeast of Fogo Island after a fire in the engine room. The crew abandoned the boat in a life raft and were rescued by the Canadian Coast Guard after spending more than two days in the dingy while a large-scale search went on in the dense rain and fog around them.

The crew, Eugene Carter, David Tiller, Toby Peddle, Harold Howell, Andy Hunt, Jordan Lee King, and Robbie Firmage, were safely returned to their home port of New-Wes-Valley. The crew members, quickly dubbed the Lucky 7 upon their return to shore, are superb representatives of the thousands of men and women from Newfoundland and Labrador who make their living from the sea.

Designed by artist Keisha Mercer, the plaque will be bronzed by sculptor Morgan MacDonald and permanently displayed in New-Wes-Valley upon completion.

Quotes
“I will never forget that day, as we celebrated along with family, friends and hundreds of others in the New-Wes-Valley community, as the Lucky 7 entered their home port. The bronze plaque will serve as a permanent and fitting reminder of the incredible strength and resilience of this crew. This was an ending we will all remember for years to come.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The public response to what my friends and crew-mates went through was overwhelming, and to think their survival is now going to be documented and remembered for many years to come through this monument leaves me with an incredible feeling of pride to be part of the group now known as the Lucky 7.”
Glenn Mouland
Owner of the Elite Navigator

“As mayor of the town of New-Wes-Valley, I am honoured to see this memorial created and installed in our town. It is a fitting reminder of the risks fishermen throughout this province take every day when they go out on the water to make a living for their families. It is also testament to the care and compassion our residents, and indeed the people of the entire province, showed in the initial days when the men were lost and the joy we all felt when the Lucky 7 were found and returned home. If you watched a movie about what these men went through, you would never believe it possible that they’d survive, but the Lucky 7 showed us that miracles do happen!”
His Worship Mike Tiller
Mayor, New-Wes-Valley

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