TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A traditional Tao plank canoe from Orchid Island reached the Philippines' Batan Island on Tuesday after encountering four-meter waves and strong winds in the Bashi Channel.
Maraos, chair of the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation and one of the paddlers, said the canoe encountered strong southwesterly winds and swells about two kilometers west of Xiaolanyu shortly after departure, per Liberty Times. Although the vessel began taking on water and the crew considered requesting a tow, they decided to continue paddling toward Batan.
As the Ovayan continued southward, morale remained high, and its speed increased. However, near the first islet off Batan Island, the crew encountered even larger swells.
For safety reasons, the paddlers were transferred to a support vessel, and the canoe was placed under tow, according to Liberty Times. It then encountered strong winds and four-meter waves.
The canoe took on so much water that nearly 80% of the hull was submerged. Although no one was injured, concerns about damage led the team to tow it slowly through the night.
At 10 a.m. Tuesday, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel towed the Ovayan into Mahatao Port for emergency pumping and repairs, Liberty Times reported. Inspectors found no major structural damage, allowing a second paddling team to bring the canoe ashore.
Maraos said local fishers escorted the canoe into port, where as many as 400 residents had gathered to welcome the delegation. A school band and traditional dancers helped create a festive atmosphere.
The 60-member paddling team later performed a traditional canoe-tossing ceremony and a Tao war dance in the town square. Maraos said the performances drew up to 500 spectators.
During a ceremonial exchange of gifts with the governor of Batanes Province, Maraos said the reunion after more than a century was a significant event for the Pacific region. He expressed hope that it would lead to continued cultural exchanges and direct visits between Orchid Island and Batan, according to Liberty Times.
Maraos also announced that the Ovayan would be donated to Batanes Province for educational and cultural purposes. He said he hopes paddlers from Batan will make a return voyage to Orchid Island next June.
He added that the journey had attracted international attention and called for greater ocean conservation efforts. The team is scheduled to return to Orchid Island on Wednesday.
