Overview:
Remembering Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur: A Legacy of Ocean Wisdom and Cultural Heritage
Palau Community College mourns the passing of Rapin Woeke (Grand Master Navigator) Sesario Sewralur, a master wayfinder who dedicated nearly two decades to preserving and sharing the ancient art of traditional Pacific navigation. Carrying forward the teachings of his father, legendary navigator Dr. Pius Mau Piailug of Satawal, Sesario inspired generations of students and voyagers through his work with PCC and the Micronesian Voyaging Society. His voyages aboard the Alingano Maisu strengthened cultural bonds across the Pacific and left a lasting legacy of knowledge, humility, and connection.
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that Palau Community College shares the passing of a beloved member of our family, Rapin Woeke (Grand Master Navigator) Sesario Sewralur. To the world, he was a master of the tides and stars, carrying the ancient wisdom of his father, the legendary Dr. Pius Mau Piailug of Satawal. But to us, and to everyone who knew and loved him, he was simply Sesario.
A Vision Born of the Sea
When Sesario first arrived on Palau’s shores in 2008, he brought with him a sacred mission: to keep the art of traditional wayfinding, acquired from the Wereyeng School of Navigation, alive for generations to come. At PCC and through the Micronesian Voyaging Society, he didn’t just teach non-instrument navigation, he passed down a living heritage.
Aboard the Alingano Maisu–the double-hulled canoe gifted to his father-Sesario
guided students across the vast Pacific. Every voyage was a celebration. Across the ocean, communities would gather at the docks, welcoming Sario and his crew with traditional chants, songs, and dances. He didn’t just connect islands, he stitched together the hearts of Pacific communities.
A Humble Master of the Ocean
Over his 18 years with us, Sesario led 20 unforgettable voyages aboard the Maisu. He forged deep, unbreakable bonds between Palau and Yap, its outer islands, Guam, Saipan, and eventually, Taiwan and Japan. Yet, for all his monumental achievements, Sesario ‘s humility was as vast and deep as the ocean he navigated. He was a cultural giant, an inspiring educator, and a man who found his greatest joy in the simple warmth of family, friends, and the laughter of fellow navigators gathered together.
On July 10, 2026, while in Taiwan for medical treatment, our dear Sesario took his final voyage. His passing leaves an emptiness in our community. The PCC Board of Trustees, President, administration, faculty, staff, and students mourn not just a colleague, but a true friend.
Fair Winds, Sesario
His humility was as vast as the ocean he navigated, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his wife Florentina , his six children, his six grandchildren , his family in Satawal, and the countless friends and voyagers whose lives he touched.
We bid farewell to him, knowing that his legacy is anchored in the communities he served, the students he taught, and the traditions he preserved. His memory lives on through his family and future generations as they look to the stars and carry forward his legacy and the wisdom passed down from his father and those who came before.
Sail On Sesario, may your guiding stars provide fair winds, clear skies and calm waters
on your final voyage home.
Is/
Patrick U. Tellei, EdD