Micronesian master navigator Mau Piailug has died on the western Pacific island of Satawal at the age of 78.
In 1976, without a compass, and using only stars, sun and wind, he navigated a traditional sailing canoe more than 3,000 miles across the Pacific from Hawaii to Tahiti.
This month-long voyage proved that indigenous people had been capable of exploring and colonising the Pacific islands.
The vessel named Hukule’a used in the voyage is currently being restored as part of a five year project that includes training young navigators and visiting ports while circumnavigating the earth.
