Tsunami scare tests Kauaʻi Sea Scouts confidence and abilities while on a 10-day cruise

Eleven teenagers with the Kauaʻi Sea Scouts departed Nāwiliwili Harbor on July 24 for a 10-day cruise around the Garden Isle on a 40-foot trawler named Decisive.

For nearly a decade, the Sea Scouts program that is part of the Boy Scouts of America has equipped dozens of island teenage girls and boys aged 12 to 18 with practical maritime skills, including seamanship, citizenship and leadership. Many graduates go on to pursue careers in the U.S. Coast Guard or attend the Maritime Academy.

But this group’s confidence and skills were especially put to the test when they learned about the statewide tsunami warning.

On Tuesday, knowing the first tsunami wave was forecast to hit Kauaʻi just after 7 p.m., the scouts pulled anchor and headed to deep waters about a mile out. The deep sea is generally considered safe during a tsunami.

The boat’s Skipper, Larry Richardson, one of three adults onboard, quickly conducted a safety training with the boat’s emergency bag, known as the ditch bag. They ensured it contained flares, an emergency beacon, and other essential items needed in case the ship sank.

“The sirens, emergency alerts, and planes flying overhead all contributed to an eerie sense of impending catastrophe,” Richardson said.

Destany Jauch, a sea scout with the Kaua’i Sea Scouts, said they were enjoying a beautiful day anchored at Polihale for a couple of days when all of a sudden “the stomach dropping alarm goes off, followed by calls from parents.”

Confident in her Skipper’s guidance, she secured a safe place at sea, headed out in a dingy to round up the rest of the crew that were on a hike. And, she set their bunks.

Although they were a little startled by the sudden change of pace, the team remained “as cool as a cucumber,” taking command of the situation, she said.

At 8:18 p.m., in an email, the sea scouts reported back to Kaua’i Now, saying, “not seeing any ripples yet.” They waited out the alerts while the galley made orange chicken and enjoyed the beautiful sunset with dinner.

“What could’ve been an overwhelming situation turned into a fun memory of laughing with the crew,” Jauch said. “This will forever be my favorite sea scout moment.”

After the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, the crew returned to anchor offshore at Polihale.

“On my end, I reassured parents that we were taking necessary actions to ensure everyone’s safety,” Guilligan Mate Tom Worthen said. “I communicated this through Teamreach, our group.”

On Wednesday, just before 1 p.m., the sea scouts reported that “All is well,” and are scheduled to return to Nāwiliwili Harbor at the end of the week.

These scouts were no strangers to unpredictable emergencies. Last October, while staying aboard Decisive during the annual small boat training, the sea scouts witnessed a nearby sailboat in distress. It had missed its approach while attempting to dock and was blown into the rocks.

Without hesitation, the Sea Scouts sprang into action. The scouts pulled the distressed sailboat off the rocks in a dramatic tug-of-war from the dock, towing it by hand and safely guiding it into its slip.

In May, the team competed at the California State University Maritime Academy in 19 different events, earning the second-highest award.

As the scouts’ skills and confidence have grown, they have outgrown Vessel 11 Decisive. To meet the needs of the program, donations are being sought for a new 44-foot Fishing Charter.

The new vessel has the necessary interior and volume for housing children, a comfortable salon and galley, and twin diesel engines. While only 4 feet longer than the current ship, it is much bigger with a 3-foot wider beam and its tonnage weighing twice as much as Decisive.

The funds will also help outfit the vessel so that it’s functional for all the teens.

Decisive can only accommodate 14 persons, including scouts and adult leaders. Long cruises must be broken up into two trips to accommodate all the scouts in the program, which has received national recognition and is in its 16th year now.

There are now 30 dedicated sea scouts who gather weekly at the All Saints Church in Kapa’a.

This co-ed program not only fosters leadership skills but also builds confidence among participants. While adults serve as resources and mentors, the scout crew takes an active role in running and navigating the ship.

They shop for groceries, cook, run the helm, stand watch, set and pull the anchor, navigate, tie lines and place the fenders. The real-life experience prepares the scouts for the ocean and its rules.

The scouts embark on various cruises, ranging from short three-day trips to their longest journey of 24 days, visiting destinations like Moloka’i and Lānaʻi while exploring their unique environments and the state.

“It’s so fun to watch the transition from a 12-year-old or a 14-year-old to suddenly being in charge,” Worthen said. “The kids make mistakes, but they learn from them, and then they can transfer those skills.”

He said the goal is to let the kids run the ship.

“Our advisors are only there if there is a problem, but the leadership they provide is priceless,” Worthen said. “We have some kids here from Kaua’i that have never been on a boat, so it’s special.”

The Kauaʻi Sea Scouts hope the community can assist purchasing the new boat so that the program can continue to teach these skills for the next generation of scouts.

“We see it more as Kaua’i’s boat,” Worthen said. “In getting this new boat, we are preparing for the future, as it will serve the youth of Kaua’i for decades.”

And when living on an island, there are limited opportunities for teenagers.

“Any program that keeps our youth occupied in a positive manner is a win-win for them and the community,” Worthen said. “Once you learn leadership, you can be a leader anywhere. These are memories they’ll carry with them forever. It’s like Christmas; you don’t know what the ocean is going to show you, and it’s always a present.”

Thus far, Kauai’s Sea Scouts are the only Sea Scouts in the state. There are current efforts to begin this program on O’ahu.

The Kauaʻi Sea Scouts next journey is scheduled on Labor Day.

Individuals interested in donating to help the Kaua’i Sea Scouts get a new ship can click here.