Seven N.L. fishers rescued after boat went missing back on dry land: officials

VALLEYFIELD, N.L. – Officials with Newfoundland and Labrador’s department of fisheries and Oceans say seven fishers who were on board a vessel that went missing for days have been safely returned to dry land in Valleyfield, N.L.

A statement from the department says the seven missing crew members were found “healthy and safe” on a life raft after a handheld red flare was spotted during a search effort by the Canadian Coast Guard.

The department did not disclose where the crew was found, nor the state of the Elite Navigator fishing vessel they were using.

The boat was reported overdue on Thursday afternoon, long after the vessel’s last received signal at 8:30 p.m. the night before.

A social media post from Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says the entire province is “relieved” to hear the crew members have been found alive.

Five of the seven fishers are from New-Wes-Valley, NL, where a celebratory parade is planned for Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2024.