Earlier this month, three canoers were rescued after their traditional CHamoru sailing canoe, “Si Gotpe,” was damaged near Mata’pang Beach in Tumon. This incident shows the importance of modern rescue operations while also highlighting the significance of preserving ancient seafaring traditions.
Joseph Perez Cruz, one of the canoers involved, wrote a heartfelt letter to the Guam Fire Department praising their swift response. He explained that they were sailing northeast from the beach when a part called the boom tie snapped, causing their sail to drop.
The canoers had intended to stay within the reef, but strong winds pushed them further out. Cruz tried to fix the issue, but as they worked on the canoe, it drifted too close to the reef. Eventually, a big wave lifted the canoe, and when it came down, it struck some submerged coral, breaking one of the outrigger arms.
As the canoe started drifting further out to sea, the crew decided to abandon it. A nearby jet skier helped them until the Guam Fire Department arrived with rescue boats and jet skis.
Captain Jonathan Nededog, who led the rescue, described how they received a call about the capsized canoe. Multiple rescue teams were quickly sent out. Firefighter II Randall Diego swam to check the overturned canoe, ensuring that no one was trapped inside.
Cruz was impressed that the firefighters even recovered the damaged canoe after rescuing the crew. “I didn’t expect them to retrieve the canoe. It shows they respect our culture and traditions,” he said.
The experience raised concerns for Cruz about the younger generation’s awareness of traditional sailing canoes. He noticed that many young people today don’t recognize the significance of a sakman, the name for these canoes. Cruz emphasized their historical importance, noting that these vessels were unique when Europeans first arrived, seen as both fast and dangerous.
Ron Acfalle, the founder of Ulitao, Inc., has dedicated himself to preserving CHamoru maritime traditions. He built the “Si Gotpe” and has been teaching others about canoe making. Acfalle shared that he was inspired to pursue this path after sailing to Rota in 2007. He described traditional canoes as dugouts made from large trees, a skill that is becoming rare.
Acfalle has trained around 15 to 20 apprentices but worries about the future of traditional practices. With modern job demands, it’s hard for young people to commit to canoe building. He believes a partnership between the private sector and the government could help the preservation of this cultural heritage.
Before the incident, Acfalle had been training Cruz and the other canoers. He mentioned their decision to prioritize their safety by leaving the canoe behind. “We can always build more canoes, but lives are irreplaceable,” he said.
Following the rescue, Cruz and the others climbed aboard another canoe, “Si Taotaomo’na,” which had come to help them. With calmer waters, they felt safe, though they were still faced with the task of getting back. Cruz expressed that he wasn’t scared during the whole ordeal, just focused on what to do next.
Both men stressed the importance of safety while on the water. Cruz advised always wearing a life vest and being aware of weather conditions, even when sailing close to shore.
The damaged “Si Gotpe” has been returned to the canoe house at Ulitao to be repaired for future journeys. Cruz noted that it would be refitted, preparing for its next adventure.
Source link
capsizing, water transport, ships, watercraft, shipping, tumon bay, boating
