The Ship Report

A foggy time on the lower Columbia RiverIt's been pretty foggy in parts of the lower Columbia region the past few days. Or not foggy at all, depending on where you are. It's part of a a larger pattern this week statewide of dense foggy conditions.We'll talk about what might be causing our fog here and what ships do under such conditions.

The USNS Grasp, a Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship, comes to PortlandWe're seeing unusual ships arriving in the river this week so far. Yesterday it was the USCGC Healy, the Coast Guard's biggest ship, headed to the Swan Island shipyard.Today it's the USNS Grasp, a highly specialized rescue and salvage ship, whose job it is to save people and ships when they get in trouble on the water.Image: the USNS Grasp, photo courtesy of US Navy photo gallery.

The USCGC Healy, US Coast Guard icebreaker and the agency's largest vessel, comes to the ColumbiaToday we'll see the USCGC Healy, a Coast Guard icebreaker and the agency's largest vessel, enters the river early this morning on her way to the Vigor shipyard in Portland for about 8 months of repairs and maintenance. She's an unusual vessel with some interesting history behind her name. 

The Columbia River Bar is on Red status, so what happens now?Yesterday the Columbia River Bar was on Red status, per the Columbia River Bar Pilots. It's the most severe restriction on ship traffic they can impose, and it means most, if not all, ships will be restricted from coming in or out of the river till the weather improves.We have a big potential ship schedule today, meaning lots of ships want to enter and leave the river. Today we'll talk about the effect a temporary, weather-related closure like this has on vessels, and what they do while they wait.

A look at how marine pilots decide which ships will cross the bar in challenging weatherWe've got another round of inclement weather coming in, and it's a good time to talk about how our marine pilots, who are in charge of assisting ships in and out of the river, decide when the weather is too difficult to allow ships to transit until things calm down. We'll talk about that today.

Who's on the river - and some weather comin' in, during which it will rain until it stopsNow that the fleeting festivities of New Years have faded away, let's turn our attention to the workhorse ships that continue to do their work despite holidays, weather and other distractions.Also, we'll look at the weather, which is worsening a bit again - and we'll talk about my favorite KMUN inclement weather forecast ever.

New Year's Eve Ship Horns in AstoriaHear Astoria's visiting ships ring in 2026 with the sonorous sounds of their horns at midnight on New Year's Eve on the Columbia River.

How many ships will be off Astoria on NY's Eve? And, a look at the Dungness crab fisheryTomorrow is New Year's Eve, and we'll hopefully hear some ship horns off the Astoria waterfront. Today, we'll also take a look at the Dungeness Crab Fishery, which kicked off in the local area this past weekend.

End of the year stuff: New Year's Eve ship horns, and - the Ship Report is now on SubstackI'm gearing up once more to record ship horns on the Astoria waterfront again this year, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve - an annual tradition I happily seek out.I'll share the recording with you on January 5th, when the Ship Report returns for the New Year. We never know what it will like: how many ships will be there, how many will choose to participate. So it's always a surprise. Let's hope for good sounds and let's send our good wishes to the mariners on those ships for a good year for them as well as for all of us.Also, the Ship Report is now on Substack, an easy place for you to go to see all that I create, and other info I share - whether it be podcasts, marine weather, ship schedules and more. Look for The Ship Report on Substack and you'll find my new page.

A new storm looms for the coast, and - Santa is saved by the US Coast GuardWell, weather watchers are tracking an approaching storm that might (or might not) bring damaging winds to our area. We'll see how that shakes out.And today we'll hear a Ship Report holiday tradition: "Coastal Christmas," a retelling of the story of The Night Before Christmas, coastal- style. It's a book written by Long Beach Peninsula author Lynette Rae McAdams, illustrated by local artist Sally Lackaff.In this updated telling of the age-old tale: Santa is saved by the US Coast Guard after his sleigh ends up in the water, essentially saving Christmas. And Santa gets to head home to the North Pole with Dungeness Crab for Mrs. Santa.Happy Christmas to all!

'T is the season, for Dungeness crab, that isToday we'll talk about the opening at the end of this month of the 2025-26 Dungeness crab fishery in our local area. And hear an excerpt from a 2016 interview I did with a commercial crabber. His name is John Corbin, and he'll tell us a bit about the process of catching and harvesting Dungeness.

More weather as our next atmospheric river arrives todayThe fire hose of rain is aimed south of us in Clatsop County this time, but meteorologists predict we are looking at about and inch and half  in Astoria, and 3 inches or more Tillamook and points south.The big deal right now is a matter of time, rain and its long term effect on soils. It's been raining for awhile now and we are seeing the effects of saturated soils on trees, roadbeds and power lines. I read an interesting piece about how the more soaked the ground gets, the less wind it takes to know down a tree. And we are seeing older roadbeds collapse and landslides claim land and dover roads. So be careful out there – things in the landscape may not be the way you last saw them when you next venture out.

Today, a real look at how weather can affect ship trafficWe've got some rowdy weather on the Columbia River Bar today and it may cause ships to be delayed until the weather's better. We'll take a look at how that sort of thing works and what you can expect.

Another round of atmospheric river conditions kicks in TuesdayWe seem to be in an atmospheric river phase at the moment: we'll talk about what to expect today from a maritime perspective.

Another atmospheric river today - let's look at what's nextWe'll be looking at more atmospheric river activity this week. We'll take a look at what to expect. The short answer: with already saturated soils in our region, be prepared for power outages, landslides and downed trees. We'll also take a look at today's ship schedule.

A look at crazy rainfall totals from our atmospheric river, and what's next...Today we'll take a look at some really crazy rainfall totals from this week's storm, and a look at what's next as next week unfolds. The short answer: more rain.

A break in the weather, but experts say there's more to come in this rainy DecemberWe haven't seen the last of atmospheric river activity this month, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. We'll take a look at the long range forecast for what could shape up to be a very wet rest of December, and January.

Winter Boater Safety Inspection Event Dec. 27th in AstoriaIf you have a trailerable recreational boat registered in Oregon, consider bringing your boat down to the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Winter Boater Safety Inspection Station event later this month. If you have the right gear, you can get a 2026 Oregon Boater Safety Inspection sticker.It's happening Saturday, December 27 from 10 to 2, right across from Englund Marine at the Port of AstoriaYou'll need an up to date registration and some safety gear to qualify. It's not only the law, it's good safety stewardship for your vessel, the people you take on board, and any rescue personnel who might have to assist you in an emergency.Per the sheriff's office - To get your sticker, please bring the following six items:1. Current proof of registration for your boat2. Current registration year sticker posted next to your OR numbers3. Boater safety education course card or equivalent4. Non-expired, good-condition fire extinguisher5. Proper life jackets6. A throwable cushion or ring Depending on your vessel, you may also need a carburetor spark arrestor and a bilge fume blower.If you have questions, give the Clatsop County Sheriff's Marine Patrol office a call at 971-704-4465.

Atmospheric rivers on the wayA somewhat "geeky" look at our upcoming weather, which includes one, possibly two atmospheric rivers over the next week. I'll toss around (and explain) jargony terms like IVT and QPF, specific weather metrics that PNW meteorologists use to track weather intensity in rainy climates like ours.

The Great Coastal Gale of 2007 rememberedThis week in 2007, a series of damaging storms walloped our region, bringing high winds, rain and flooding, causing widespread damage.This week, we're looking at the usual wet winter weather. Eighteen years ago, it was a different story...Today, we remember the Great Coastal Gale of 2007.Special thanks to Long Beach Peninsula historian Frank Lehn, for his recollections shared in this show.

An Ilwaco tradition comes around again: The 19th annual Crabpot Tree lightingThis Saturday at 5 pm sharp, Ilwaco will hold its 19th annual Crabpot Christmas Tree lighting. It's a chance to come together to sing and honor a community tradition.The event also also honors beloved Ilwaco community member Clint Carter, who passed this year. He wrote the Crabpot Tree Carol, which you'll hear today on the show. This song is sung each year at the lighting of the tree, which is made entirely of Dungeness crabpots.

King Tides are back...We have another round of King Tides happening this week. Let's talk about what to expect, along with elevated sneaker wave risk on area beaches.

Holidays at seaIt's a good time of year to talk about holidays at sea, for sailors who are often far from home.

Barges: an integral part of the chain of commerceWe've seen a maritime story in the news recently about a barge that was taking on water in BC waters with containers on board. The story highlights how widely barges are used in marine commerce, although most of us don't notice they're out there, functioning as an integral part of the chain of commerce.In rural areas, they can also be a vital way for people to ship goods locally in a way that is much less expensive than other means.

A look at ships and cargoA look at who's on the river today, cargoes and anchorages.

A look at the weather, the ship schedule, and a note about short winter daysThe weather is about to do its thing again: wind, rain and elevated seas. Ships are coming and going as usual, so far. And for those feeling down about our short days, consider Utqiagvic (or Barrow), Alaska, which saw its last sunset of the year earlier this week. They'll live in darkness for 64 days until the sun returns in January.

Our third and final interview segment with long distance paddler Carmen PerezToday we'll hear the third and final segment of my interview with Carmen Perez, a long distance paddler who recently traveled 1200 miles in her canoe with her dog, Zuri.They traveled for two months, from the headwaters of the Columbia River in British Columbia to Clatsop Spit in Oregon, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean.

More from Carmen Perez, the gal who just canoed the length of the Columbia River with her dogToday we hear more from our interview with Carmen Perez, the gal who last week ended her two-month long journey canoeing the entire length of the Columbia River, from its headwaters in British Columbia, Canada, to Clatsop Spit in Oregon. She made the trip with her loyal dog, Zuri, a border collie mix.

Carmen Perez, 22-year old solo canoeist, ends her 1200 mile journey down the ColumbiaToday we'll hear from Carmen Perez, a 22-year old solo long distance canoeist, who last week finished her two-month, 1200 mile solo journey (with her dog!) from the headwaters of the Columbia to Clatsop Spit.

More weather changes, and a look at today's ship scheduleWe've got rain arriving and staying for the next few days. We'll also take a look at who's traveling on the river toda.y

A look at who's on the river todayWe've got some weather coming in, and we'll look at who's on the river today in terms of arriving and departing cargo vessels.

Mighty Fitz follow up - interview with a Coast GuardsmanToday, as a follow-up to yesterday's show about the sinking of the ore-carrier Edmund Fitzgerald 50 years ago on Lake Superior in 1975, we'll hear an interview with local resident Reid Johnson, who is now retired from the Coast Guard. He was 19 years old in1975, and serving on a USCG ship on Lake Huron the night the Fitz was lost in a storm.We'll also hear a poem from Fisher Poet Clem Starck about his real life experience hearing a nearby sister ship sink in a storm, while he himself was at sea within radio range, but unable to help.

The 50th anniversary of the wreck of the famous Great Lakes ore carrier, the Edmund FitzgeraldToday marks 50 years since the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior on November 10, 11975 in Lake Superior. The Mighty Fitz, as she was called, was caught in the midst of a fierce storm with hurricane force winds. The ship was 17 miles from port when she was lost. All 29 members of her crew perished.This tragedy is commemorated in regional ceremonies each year, as residents honor these lost mariners, and all those who have lost their lives over the years in thousands of wrecks on the Great Lakes.Today we honor all mariners and their families, and recognize that despite safety improvements over the years, maritime work remains among the most dangerous profession worldwide.

More weather, ships arriving, and a look at a common cargo: tolueneWe'll take a look at a tanker coming into Kalama, whose cargo is a liquid called toluene. We'll talk about what it is and what it's used for. Turns out we all probably have some toluene in our lives.

King Tides and weather are hereKing Tides are happening today, so expect high tides around midday and an atmospheric river event that will amplify hazards on beaches and in flood prone areas. Be careful out there.

King Tides FAQWe've got King Tides happening starting tomorrow through Friday this week, and you've probably heard about it if you live in our coastal region.But what does that mean really? Today we'll talk about the nuts and bolts of King Tides - a sort of "King Tides FAQ."

King Tides happening this week, plus an atmospheric river, could bring beach and flooding hazardsWe've got King Tides arriving later this week, around the same time as the arrival of an atmospheric river weather system. Higher than normal tides and weather effects  could mean increased beach hazards, and some inland flooding.We'll keep an eye on it.

Big atmospheric river in store next weekI'm afraid it 's more weather - we'll take a look at a forecast from UW meteorologist Cliff Mass that bears watching, predicting a big atmospheric river headed our way next week.

A look at our evolving weather, and good thoughts for those in the path of Hurricane MelissaWe're looking at our evolving weather, and ships traveling on the river, with a "there but for the grace of God go I" moment of humility and solidarity for those in the path of Hurricane Melissa - which is battering Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba with sustained winds of 185 mph.

Who's on the river, and what's next for the weather?Today, a look at who's traveling on the river, including tugboats and a Military Sealift Command vessel. And a look at the next round of weather headed our way.

Accurate sources for weather (marine and land-based), road and emergency infoWith so much misinformation flying around on social media, and more bad weather on the way this week. I thought it would be helpful to share some trusted resources you can use to keep yourself up to date with accurate weather, road and emergency info.

Stormy weather is upon us - get ready for wind and rain, and possible power outagesThe stormy weather we've been promised all week is arriving today - be ready for gusty winds and heavy rain. We may see interruptions in ship traffic today and through the weekend. Expect power outages.

The coastal jet is here again - a disconcerting weather quirk of our maritime environmentShip captains don't like the coastal jet much. It's a quirky local weather phenomenon that can cause the weather to get worse the closer approaching ships get to the Columbia River Bar.Today we'll hear from Capt. Thron Riggs, who spent many years as a Columbia River Bar pilot, explaining what a coastal jet is.

The USS Plainview, a relic of lower Columbia history, beached in the shallows of Hungry HarborToday we take a look at the USS Plainview, a once-innovative, prototype hydrofoil ship design that was decommissioned by the Navy in the 1960s. She ended up sidelined by her civilian owner after plans to make her into a seafood processing vessel didn't pan out. She remains, partially dismantled, on the shores of the Columbia on the Washington side of the river, a few miles east of the Megler Bridge, beached on private property.Today we'll take a look at her once exciting history, and why she remains where she is.

We've got some weather comin' inA look at this week's weather, which seems poised to take things up a notch in terms of stormy conditions. We've got an atmospheric river event coming out way. We'll see how it shakes out.

A look at Alaska's recent coastal weather disasterLast weekend a typhoon his western Alaska north of the Aleutians, with devastating consequences for coastal communities there. A reminder to all of us who live on the edge of the world, that most of our weather comes to us from the ocean.

A look at the ship schedule, the weather and the origin of the term "ides" on this, the Ides of OctoberIn the ancient Roman calendar, the Ides of March marked the 15th of that month, and a fateful day in history for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. In Shakespeare's play, named for him, the story recounts a historical fact: that Caesar was assassinated on March 15 (the Ides of March) in the year 44 BC.Thanks to Shakespeare, that term "ides" persists in our culture, but it's not just March. October has one too. And today is the Ides of October, a day that marks the middle of the month.We'll also take a look at our seesawing fall weather, and see who's on the river today moving cargo.

Interesting ships on the river TuesdayWhile all ships are inherently interesting, we have a few unusual ones passing by on Tuesday. One will visit the Port of Astoria.We'll see a new Military Sealift Command replenishment oiler headed to the Portland shipyard, a containership (we don't see them as often as we used to) headed to the Port of Portland, and a blue water cruise ship stopping for the day at the Port of Astoria.

A look at transit times - how long takes to get from one place to another by shipToday we'll look at transit times, how long it takes a ship to go from one place to another at sea, and here on the river.

The pilot boat Peacock, now a museum exhibit, was a real game changer for Columbia River commerceThis week marks 15 years since the pilot boat Peacock was lifted out of the Columbia River and placed on land, on the campus of the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, where she welcomes people traveling past the museum on Marine Drive.She's now a retired icon of Columbia River shipping, but when she first arrived here in the late 1960s, the Peacock opened a new era in river commerce. That was thsnks to her unprecedented ability to handle channeling weather conditions that previous pilot boats here could not.Today we'll honor the Peacock and talk about her work with the Columbia River Bar Pilots.

A look at who's on the river todayWe've got an abundant ship schedule today, so let's see who's on the river today, moving cargo or waiting their turn.