LIHUE — The Sea Scouts aboard USS Decisive were excited on Thursday when they learned that Oct. 24 was declared Kauai Sea Scouts Day by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.
Many, if any, of the scouts had ever experienced having a day named after them, as excited chatter flitted through the group that received the proclamation from County of Kauai Managing Director Reiko Matsuyama on behalf of Kawakami.
The proclamation leading to the special day outlined and recognized the heroic rescue of a sailboat that became grounded on Oct. 9, while the scouts were engaged in their annual small boat training at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor where the USS Decisive is moored.
“Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Kauai Sea Scouts, without hesitation, immediately prepared to assist by donning life jackets and gathering essential rescue equipment, including a tow line, heaving line, boat hook, and handheld radios,” the proclamation outlined.
“Demonstrating remarkable teamwork, bravery, and calm under pressure, the Sea Scouts successfully secured the distressed vessel by delivering a tow line and pulling the sailboat off the rocks from the safety of the dock in what appeared to be an impressive ‘tug of war’ effort.”
The proclamation also recognized that “in addition to their impressive maritime rescue efforts, several Sea Scouts put their emergency medical training to immediate use by providing care to the mariners on board the sailboat, treating them for minor injuries with professionalism and compassion.”
Sea Scout Commodore Larry Richardson said in addition to having the day named after them, the Sea Scouts happened on an opportunity to secure a new vessel that is bigger than the Decisive, and able to accommodate scouts from both the Kapaa and Port Allen troops.
“We’ve got the opportunity to get this boat for our Sea Scouts program,” Richardson said. “We will have to buy it, but we’ve managed to get some support on this so what we pay will be far below market value. This is basically a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for Kauai to have this boat for the Sea Scouts program.”
Currently berthed on Oahu, Richardson said the boat is 60 feet long, has twin engines and a steel hull.
“We would be able to take about 30 scouts on cruises with this new boat,” Richardson said. “This steel-hulled, solid boat will last to serve the community of Kauai as a Sea Scout boat for many years to come. It will serve Sea Scouts that are yet to be born.”
Richardson is hoping they can get support from the community to move the boat from Oahu to a new home on Kauai.
For more information or to donate to the cause, visit www.kauaiseascouts.org.
