In Memoriam: Princess Taiping

As Princess Taiping embarked on its transpacific crossing, it carried with it the hopes of a historic voyage. However, its journey was cut short by the unexpected encounter with a freighter near its destination, marking the end of a remarkable endeavor.

Princess Taiping sets sail for Okinawa for the next leg of its transpacific crossing in 2009. Photo by ALEXIE ZOTOMAYOR

April 25th marks the anniversary of Princess Taiping’s demise, a replica of a Ming Dynasty junk renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship. The vessel, built using traditional Chinese shipbuilding techniques without the use of nuts and bolts, captured the imagination of onlookers worldwide.

I had the privilege of meeting the crew and its captain, Taiwanese Nelson Liu, during my time as a journalist covering community events and business news in Western Pacific. As an Asian Studies major with a deep appreciation for Chinese culture, I was captivated by Princess Taiping’s ambitious attempt at a transpacific crossing. My passion for Chinese history and culture fueled my fascination with this historic voyage.

Recently, while sorting through my collection of photographs, I stumbled upon unpublished images of Princess Taiping from 2009. I vividly recall the excitement surrounding its arrival on Saipan, thanks to the reporting of my colleague Gemma Casas. Determined to capture the vessel’s beauty, I borrowed a new Nikon DSLR camera from my friend Charlie, and eagerly documented its presence on the island.

My connection to Princess Taiping was further strengthened by my former employers’ association with the Chinese crew members. Attending a welcoming party for Nelson and the crew provided me with the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of their Pacific crossing. Their tales of adventure and perseverance left a lasting impression on me, fueling my commitment to documenting their historic journey.

Accompanying Princess Taiping on its departure from Saipan Harbor was a surreal experience. As the crew unfurled the vessel’s cotton sails, I was captivated by the sight, balancing myself on the deck while capturing every moment with the camera.

As she set sail for Okinawa, I reluctantly bid farewell, knowing that my responsibilities as a journalist awaited me on shore. Despite being unable to join the crew on their journey, I remained connected through updates on their progress.

Tragically, news of Princess Taiping’s collision with a freighter near Taiwan shattered the hopes of a successful voyage. While the crew miraculously survived, the vessel itself succumbed to the depths, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience.

Though its journey may have ended prematurely, Princess Taiping’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who witnessed its remarkable voyage.

纪念：太平公主

当太平公主启程横渡太平洋时，它背负着一次历史性航行的期望。然而，它的旅程在接近目的地时因与一艘货船意外相遇而戛然而止，标志着一次卓越的尝试的终结。

4月25日是太平公主沉没的纪念日，这是一艘以其美丽和工艺而闻名的明代仿制木船。这艘船采用传统的中国造船技术，没有使用螺母和螺栓，引起了全球观众的想象力。

我有幸在我担任西太平洋社区活动和商业新闻记者期间遇到了船员及其船长，台湾的刘纳尔森。作为一个深爱中国文化的亚洲研究专业学生，我被太平公主对横渡太平洋的雄心勃勃的尝试所吸引。我对中国历史和文化的热情推动了我对这次历史性航行的着迷。

最近，在整理我的照片收藏时，我偶然发现了2009年太平公主的未发表照片。我清晰地记得围绕它抵达塞班岛的兴奋，这要归功于我的同事杰玛·卡萨斯的报道。为了捕捉船的美丽，我从朋友查理那里借了一台新的尼康数码单反相机，迫不及待地记录了它在岛上的存在。

我与太平公主的联系在我前雇主与中国船员的协会中进一步加强。参加了为纳尔逊和船员举办的欢迎会，我有机会亲自听取他们横渡太平洋的第一手经历。他们的冒险和坚持的故事给我留下了深刻的印象，激发了我记录他们历史性旅程的承诺。

陪伴太平公主从塞班港起航是一次超现实的经历。当船员展开船的棉帆时，我被这一景象所吸引，在甲板上保持平衡，用相机捕捉每一个瞬间。

当她驶向冲绳时，我依依不舍地告别，知道我的记者责任在岸上等待着我。尽管无法加入船员的旅程，但我通过他们进展的更新保持联系。

可悲的是，关于太平公主与台湾附近货船相撞的消息打破了对一次成功航行的希望。尽管船员奇迹般地幸存下来，但船体本身沉入深海，留下了勇气和韧性的遗产。

尽管它的旅程可能过早结束，太平公主的记忆在见证其卓越航行的人们心中永存。