American Masters

Duke's incredible rescue mission while on a surfboard

Clip: 05/10/2022 | 2m 41s  | Video has closed captioning.

Watch Full Length

On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do something.' He just assumed responsibility, and jumped right in the water."

Aired: 05/10/22

Rating: NR

Buy Now:

Problems Playing Video? | Closed Captioning

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family, Judith & Burton …

A front row seat to the creative process

BIWEEKLY PODCAST

A front row seat to the creative process

How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought one of their iconic works to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like singer Buffy Sainte-Marie, filmmaker John Waters, actor John David Washington, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."

SUBSCRIBE

More History Shows