Thirteen-year-old Luke Haggerty was suspended from school and convicted of a felony after a gun was found in his school locker. Because Luke is only 13 and has never been in trouble before, the judge gave him the option to spend a month working with CNC on The Phoenix rather than going to Williston Juvenile Detention Facility, which Luke accepted. Luke, who is the protagonist of the story, is innocent and knows who put the gun in his locker—Reese, a “friend” who Luke had trusted with his locker code. However, Luke’s family cannot afford expensive lawyers to defend him, so Luke accepts the offer of a month on The Phoenix. Luke’s character is kind, thoughtful, and responsible—shown by his attempts to learn maritime jargon and follow what the captain asks. Luke is a natural leader who defends those he perceives as weaker, such as young Ian. Luke stands up to bullies like Radford without deliberately antagonizing them. For example, despite feeling seasick, Luke eats everything Radford challenges him to eat. Luke has no tolerance for arrogant, difficult characters like J.J. and doesn’t hesitate to call him out. Luke’s role as a leader takes full effect when the survivors are on the makeshift raft.