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The Lucky Seven: The Story of the Elite Navigator
In July 2024, the Elite Navigator fishing boat and its crew seemed to vanish one night after fishing for turbot for several days at sea. The craft was reported missing after transmitting its final signal at around 8:30 p.m. the night before, according to the Canadian Coast Guard. The vessel had caught fire, forcing the crew to abandon the ship and wait for rescue on the life raft.
In New-Wes-Valley, which is an amalgamation of three small fishing communities along Newfoundland’s northeast coast, friends and family braced for the worst. But on July 19, Friday night, out on the ocean, searchers saw a light from a flare. It brought them to a life raft, where the seven fishermen—who people now call the Lucky Seven—were waiting.
This is the true story of a dramatic rescue at sea that took place after all hope had been lost. Award-winning author Gary Collins recounts the heroic efforts of the men and women on land, at sea, and in the air which led to a miracle, one which grabbed national headlines in the summer of 2024.
In New-Wes-Valley, which is an amalgamation of three small fishing communities along Newfoundland’s northeast coast, friends and family braced for the worst. But on July 19, Friday night, out on the ocean, searchers saw a light from a flare. It brought them to a life raft, where the seven fishermen—who people now call the Lucky Seven—were waiting.
This is the true story of a dramatic rescue at sea that took place after all hope had been lost. Award-winning author Gary Collins recounts the heroic efforts of the men and women on land, at sea, and in the air which led to a miracle, one which grabbed national headlines in the summer of 2024.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2025
9 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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August 4, 2025finished in less than a day, recommend to read to just know and understand more.
February 14, 2026
Unbelievable true story of our Newfoundland fishermen! Once I started reading, I did not want to put the book down! So proud and happy for those seven men who survived those days and nights on the Atlantic Ocean in the small life raft!
July 29, 2025
What a story teller! Kudos, Gary Collins!
May 14, 2025
Did I read this in less than 12 hours? Absolutely.
June 29, 2025
Excellent storytelling of a rescue at sea in Newfoundland. As a Newfoundlander remembering this happening it's amazing to hear their stories and how they were saved. true heros, so proud
January 22, 2026
WOW—what a story.
The book opens by providing background on each of the men aboard the vessel, and I found it fascinating to learn what brought them together for what would become a fatal voyage. This section made the crew feel real and invested me in their story right from the start.
The narrative then follows their journey from the wharf to the fishing grounds. I especially enjoyed the detailed preparation and the glimpse into daily life aboard a working fishing boat. These sections added depth and authenticity to the story.
Once I reached the chapter about the fire, I was completely hooked. From that point on, I read almost nonstop until the end. Their escape was nothing short of incredible—and incredibly lucky. It’s astonishing that all seven men made it off the ship alive.
The time they spent in the life raft is almost impossible to imagine. I had pictured something much larger, so seeing the actual photo of the raft made my jaw drop. To think that seven adult men endured that amount of time together in such a small raft, adrift in the open ocean, is truly mind-boggling.
The search and rescue section was especially powerful. It showcased an impressive group of professionals doing exactly what needed to be done. The technology, coordination, and sheer determination involved in locating the men was remarkable. Learning more about the search-and-rescue teams and their backgrounds added another emotional layer to the story, and parts of this section genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine what the families went through while the men were missing—or the overwhelming relief they must have felt when the rescue was confirmed. Being on the wharf when the men were finally brought ashore must have been unforgettable.
I was in Newfoundland in July 2024 and remember hearing about this story on the news as it was unfolding. While I wasn’t staying near New-Wes-Valley, I vividly recall the joy the rescue news brought to Bay Roberts. Everyone was talking about it—at Tim Hortons, in grocery stores, and at the corner shop. I can only imagine the elation of those who stood on the wharf when the men finally returned home.
While visiting Newfoundland again the following year, my sister told me about this book, and I ordered it shortly afterward. I finally started reading it a few weeks ago, and found it to be a compelling, well-written account of an extraordinary event. The title says it all—they truly were The Lucky Seven.
The book opens by providing background on each of the men aboard the vessel, and I found it fascinating to learn what brought them together for what would become a fatal voyage. This section made the crew feel real and invested me in their story right from the start.
The narrative then follows their journey from the wharf to the fishing grounds. I especially enjoyed the detailed preparation and the glimpse into daily life aboard a working fishing boat. These sections added depth and authenticity to the story.
Once I reached the chapter about the fire, I was completely hooked. From that point on, I read almost nonstop until the end. Their escape was nothing short of incredible—and incredibly lucky. It’s astonishing that all seven men made it off the ship alive.
The time they spent in the life raft is almost impossible to imagine. I had pictured something much larger, so seeing the actual photo of the raft made my jaw drop. To think that seven adult men endured that amount of time together in such a small raft, adrift in the open ocean, is truly mind-boggling.
The search and rescue section was especially powerful. It showcased an impressive group of professionals doing exactly what needed to be done. The technology, coordination, and sheer determination involved in locating the men was remarkable. Learning more about the search-and-rescue teams and their backgrounds added another emotional layer to the story, and parts of this section genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine what the families went through while the men were missing—or the overwhelming relief they must have felt when the rescue was confirmed. Being on the wharf when the men were finally brought ashore must have been unforgettable.
I was in Newfoundland in July 2024 and remember hearing about this story on the news as it was unfolding. While I wasn’t staying near New-Wes-Valley, I vividly recall the joy the rescue news brought to Bay Roberts. Everyone was talking about it—at Tim Hortons, in grocery stores, and at the corner shop. I can only imagine the elation of those who stood on the wharf when the men finally returned home.
While visiting Newfoundland again the following year, my sister told me about this book, and I ordered it shortly afterward. I finally started reading it a few weeks ago, and found it to be a compelling, well-written account of an extraordinary event. The title says it all—they truly were The Lucky Seven.
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November 30, 2025Being a Newfoundlander, it was impossible for me to have not heard of the story of the Lucky Seven, it was all over the news and social media back when it occurred. I was always so fascinated by the story, so I knew I had to pick this one up to hear the full thing. This is a story that is so incredible and unbelievable, it would be easy to believe it's fiction.
Gary Collins did an amazing job telling this story. It was clear to me that a lot of time and research was put in to not only tell this story, but to tell it right. There were points in this book where I could genuinely picture myself in the raft with these men, fighting to survive- That's how well the descriptions were. And even though I knew the outcome, I was still on the edge of my seat.
Gary Collins did an amazing job telling this story. It was clear to me that a lot of time and research was put in to not only tell this story, but to tell it right. There were points in this book where I could genuinely picture myself in the raft with these men, fighting to survive- That's how well the descriptions were. And even though I knew the outcome, I was still on the edge of my seat.
December 31, 2025
Living in Gander and being so familiar with this story and many people who are connected, it was so fascinating and humbling to read the details and behind the scenes accounts. I really enjoyed reading it and the story telling by the author was great! It was interesting to recall everything I remember hearing and seeing on social media and the moment we all heard about the rescue, and match it with the timeline in this book.
Agree with the review below about the overuse of newfie slang and I also noticed some discrepancies with spelling of names, etc. But overall it was a fantastic read and would recommend to anyone who is or isn't familiar with the story of the Lucky Seven!
Agree with the review below about the overuse of newfie slang and I also noticed some discrepancies with spelling of names, etc. But overall it was a fantastic read and would recommend to anyone who is or isn't familiar with the story of the Lucky Seven!
August 1, 2025
Gary casts a wide lens on those involved from the sinking of the Elite Navigator to the subsequent rescue of the crew days later. It is a well researched account that follows the timeline and gives us a look into the men dubbed the Lucky Seven before and after the near tragedy. I read anything Gary Collins for the prose. I was not disappointed.
August 28, 2025
I think this book does justice to The Lucky 7 and portrays what these men had to go through during that horrible time. Based on a true event at sea in Newfoundland and Labrador, written with first-hand accounts from the survivors of the Elite Navigator.
February 23, 2026
I followed this storyline when it was on the news but it was interesting to read and learn firsthand the experience of the survivors ordeal while they were in the boat. Thankful for a happy ending.
July 15, 2025
A great read to really put it in perspective of what those men really went through. Well told and emotional at times! Just didn’t love how the newfie slang/accent was overally accentuated at times, but I couldn’t put it down!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews