TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The traditional Palauan double-hulled sailing canoe Alingano Maisu (Selfless Sharing) reached Taiwan’s Lanyu Island on Thursday after an arduous 19-day voyage.

The Alingano Maisu departed Palau on April 20 and docked at Lanyu’s Kaiyuan Harbor after sailing over 1,200 miles (1,931 km). It was escorted by Tao Indigenous locals on canoes, according to Taiwan’s embassy in Palau. Students from Yayou Elementary School danced as the crew stepped ashore. 

The voyage was initiated by Taitung County Government and the Micronesian Voyaging Society and was supported by Taiwan and Palauan institutions and government agencies. The nine-member crew includes master navigator Sesario Sewralur, Chang Yeh-hai Shaman (張也海夏曼), a Tao navigator, and others from Palau, Taiwan, the US, Australia, and Micronesia. 

During the traditional Austronesian send-off ceremony last month, Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Jessica Lee (黎倩儀) said the two countries share Austronesian heritage and rich traditions in seafaring and boatbuilding. The voyage is a demonstration of the deep friendship between the two nations and helps to keep traditional navigation alive among younger generations, she said.

Founding member of the Micronesian Voyaging Society and former Palau President Tommy Remengesau underscored the value of ancestral seafaring knowledge and an understanding of nature. He thanked Taiwan for its full support of the voyage.

The Alingano Maisu will visit Taitung’s Citong Township before returning to Palau.