The Ship Report

Who's on the river today and what cargoes are they carrying?Today we'll look at today's ship schedule with a twist: a look at the cargoes these ships are handling here. What they are, where they come from and how they fit into the chain of commerce on the mighty Columbia River.

Who's on the river today?A look at what ships are traveling on the river today, and a bit about ballast water, an important factor in ship transits.

A gem from the Ship Report archives: Interview with a rescue swimmerThere are heroes among us - and we usually don't see them. USCG rescue swimmers go out in terrible conditions at sea to save lives, as part of highly trained rescue helicopter crews.Today, from the Ship Report Archives, we'll hear an excerpt from a 2009 interview with a rescue swimmer at Air Station Astoria.

Lots of ships today anchored off AstoriaToday we'll see quite a few ships anchored off Astoria in the river, if they all arrive today. That will bring good shipwatching opportunities. We'll talk today about why ships anchor here.

What are those red patches in the river?I received a listener question about a seasonal phenomenon people are noticing in the lower river right now: patches of dull red in the water. What is it?Turns out it's not what many people think: it's NOT a dreaded toxic algae bloom.Instead it's a good thing: a bloom of beneficial phytoplankton that is helping restore oxygen to the water and reduce harmful acidity. We're seeing it more in recent years, and it's helping the river become a healthier place for living creatures like salmon.

Low water on the ColumbiaThe National Weather Service issued a low water warning for the Columbia this past weekend and today, as minus tides and seasonal low water levels make navigating the river more challenging.We'll talk today about why water levels can be lower at this time of year, and when they will improve.

Pat Dixon: maritime author interview about his new book of poetry, "Mending Holes," Part 5Today's episode concludes this week's interview series, where I've been sharing excerpts from my interview with Pat Dixon, fisher poet and author of the new book of poetry, Mending Holes.Many thanks to Brad Wartman of the FisherPoetry Archive Project for his help engineering and recording this interview on Zoom  You'll find Brad's extensive library of Fisher Poet Gathering and other maritime related recordings and podcasts on his website at TheFisherPoetryArchive.com. 

A chat with fisher poet Patrick Dixon, about writing, life and his new book of poems, Part 4We're continuing my interview with Pat Dixon, fisher poet and author of the new book of poetry, Mending Holes.Today, Pat and I will talk more about his creative process as an author, and about how the book got its name.

Interview with author and poet Patrick Dixon about his new book, "Mending Holes," Part 3Today we're continuing to hear parts of my interview with Fisher Poet and author Pat Dixon, who just published a book of poetry called Mending Holes, about his memories of life as a commercial fisherman. One of the topics I love to explore with people who make their way in the creative arts, is to ask them about their process: how do these magical works come to be, seemingly out of thin air. Every writer, poet, songwriter, for instance, seems to tap into that muse, that process, that creative spark,  in their own way. So today I'm talking with Pat about how he writes his poems.Many thanks to Brad Wartman of the FisherPoetry Archive Project for his help engineering and recording this interview on Zoom.  You'll find Brad's extensive library of Fisher Poet Gathering and other maritime related recordings and podcasts on his website at TheFisherPoetryArchive.com.

Interview with Pat Dixon, author of the new book of poetry: "Mending Holes," Part 2Today we continue my interview with fisher poet and author Pat Dixon about his new book, "Mending Holes," a collection of his poetry, all about his life as a commercial fisherman in the waters of Alaska. Today, Pat shares some poems from the book.

Author interview: Fisher Poet Patrick Dixon and his new book, "Mending Holes"This week I'll be talking with Fisher Poet Pat Dixon about his life as a commercial fisherman, author, photographer and educator, and about his new book of poetry, "Mending Holes." 

An interview with Columbia River Bar Pilot Captain Dan Jordan, as the Buoy 10 fishery beginsToday begins one of the most anticipated annual fishing events in the region: the Buoy 10 recreational fishery on the Columbia River.Hundreds of boats will dot the river this month, filled with eager folks hoping to catch salmon, and that can spell trouble when small boats get too close to giant ships.Today I'll talk with Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Dan Jordan, about how to stay safe during Buoy 10.

Listener questions about tsunamisA few listener questions today regarding this week's tsunami, caused by an earthquake in the ocean to the north of us.And a few key takeaways:Consider this a dry runDon't get complacentIf you feel an earthquake here, don't wait for someone to tell you it's an emergency – head for high ground as fast as you can. You may only have 20 minutes before a damaging tsunami hits.

A ship horn signal that could be heard more often on the river in AugustYesterday I heard a ship do its five-blast warning signal on the river, letting a sailboat know of its presence and cautioning it to stay out of the ship's path.This is a standard horn signal that ships and boats use when they see a potential issue developing and want to head off any possible problems with a nearby vessel.With Buoy 10 fishing season approaching, it's a signal we land-dwellers who live near the river may hear more often in August.

How old fashioned navigation methods can still save the day when modern aids can'tLast week, global internet service provider Starlink experienced a service outage for over two hours, causing difficulties for lots of remote users, including ships and boats, especially those far from land.While electronics are great, it's also a good idea to have some old fashioned navigation equipment and skills up your sleeve to enable you to carry on safely until outages are fixed.

US carrier Matson says no to electric vehicles, citing lithium ion battery riskThe US ocean carrier Matson has decided to no longer ship electric vehicles, because of the increasing frequency of what analysts believe are lithium ion battery caused fires on car ships. Despite newer industry recommendations designed to make ships safer, these fires remain a deadly, and usually in practice, uncontrollable hazard on board.

Who's on the river today?We've been talking about other things this week so far. Let's take a look today at our ship schedule.

We see them every day, but likely ignore this big influence in our lives: What causes tides?Today, as part of the answer to a listener question, I thought it would be good to take a look at why tides happen. This influence is huge in our lives here on the coast and on the river, and it's interesting and helpful to understand what's driving it.

Thank you, a bit about music, being brave and, oh - tidesToday's show is a bit of a mix: I wanted to thank the folks who came down to the Ten Fifteen Theater to hear my Ship Report talk and to hear Jerry and me perform on stage (eek!), and then a bit about tides, and how there is a vast difference in tidal schedules between what we  Astoria and Vancouver/Portland.

The busy upriver ColumbiaWe see a lot of ships go by on the lower river near Astoria, but the river upstream past Longview is often busier, with a variety of vessel traffic all doing local work: tugs and barges  hauling cargo, ship handling tugs, and ships being moved from anchorages to nearby berths.

A Ship Report talk in Astoria on Saturday, and some musicThis Saturday the 19th, at 10:30am, I'll be appearing at the 1015 Theater in Astoria, as part of their big Performathon fundraising event, which runs all day and into the night. I'll be sharing memories of a trip I took on a cargo ship when I traveled from the Columbia River up to Puget Sound and south to San Francisco. It was an unforgettable experience.Then at 10:45, my husband, Jerry Middaugh, and I will perform some folk music tunes that we hope will entertain you, and leave you with a feeling of hope about the world.Many thanks to the organizers for inviting us to perform! We hope to see you there!So come on down and support community theater - an important thing - a place where local can share themselves and what they love with their community.

The Pacific Collector: another interesting military vessel on the riverToday we see the Pacific Collector arriving from Honolulu, after a doing her specialized work of tracking missile defense testing. She's one of a host of US military ships we see on the river, along with her sister ship, the Pacific Collector.

Let's take a look at one shipLet's take a look at one ship on today's schedule. It's path traces a winding route from Russia through the Panama Canal to Portland, a journey of more than a month at sea.

Minding the weatherA look at today's gusty weather and how to plan accordingly if you're going out on a boat. One thing to remember: the experience of being on the river is very different when you are out on a boat from the way it is on land, even on the shore. And any precautions you take for the river goes double out in the ocean, where risks can be greater.

Staying safe on a boat means: prepare before you goNothing says summer like the 4th of July, comin' right up. If you're looking forward to boating this weekend, perhaps even in the ocean, here's a bit about how to give yourself the best opportunity to stay safe on our challenging but beautiful Pacific Northwest waterways.

A look at weather, ships and waterflow in the riverA little bit of everything today: a look at marine weather compared to land based forecasts, who's on the river today, and a bit about river flow and changing tides.

An overview of current ship trafficToday our ship schedule has just a few ships coming and going on the river. It's a good time to talk about the commerce we often don't see happening, that includes ships at anchor and ships already in port.

The Pacific Tracker: a specialized ship with a long and winding pastToday we will see the Pacific Tracker travel up the Columbia to Portland. She's a military missile tracking ship that's berthed at Swan Island's shipyard. An interesting aspect of this ship is her past: she's 60 years old, and has had various uses and names - including as a  bulk carrier and containership. A case in point about the lives of ships.

A look at the Tongue Point Job Corps Seamanship ProgramTo end our week-long series of talks with Len Tumbarello, Maritime Program Program Coordinator for NW Oregon Works, today we'll talk about his previous work running the Tongue Point Job Corps Seamanship program in Astoria, and the benefits the program offers to students.We did this interview before either of us knew about the federal cuts threatening Job Corps Centers nationwide.This week, a federal judge granted a national preliminary injunction that will halt the closure of Job Corps campuses for now.

A look at a career in the Coast GuardToday we continue my interview with Len Tumbarello, Maritime Program Coordinator for NW Oregon Works. We've been talking about maritime employment opportunities this week, but today we'll talk about Len's career in the Coast Guard: how he got started, and what he did as a member of the service.Most of us would know a Coast Guard ship, boat or helicopter if we saw one, but there are also many other opportunities for a career in the Guard.

Northwest Oregon Works Maritime Program, Part 3Today we continue hearing excerpts from my interview with Len Tumbarello, maritime program coordinator for Northwest Oregon Works. He's working to improve employment opportunities in the local maritime industry.

Northwest Oregon Works Maritime Program, Part 2Today we continue my interview with Northwest Oregon Works Maritime Program Coordinator Len Tumbarello, about what kinds of maritime industry employment opportunities this new program could help generate in the state, through funding and development of education and industry partnerships.

Northwest Oregon Works Maritime ProgramThis week we'll be talking with Len Tumbarello, Maritime Program Coordinator for NW Oregon Works. A Coast Guard veteran, Tumbarello also ran the seamanship education at the Tongue Point Job Corps Program in Astoria for years, helping young people prepare for jobs at sea.Now he's working with the this Oregon nonprofit to enhance maritime job opportunities for young people and adults, by building educational and business partnerships.

Farewell to one of my favorite authors: William LangewiescheToday we honor one of my favorite maritime authors: William Langewiesche, author of an incredible book called, The Outlaw Sea. One of the best works of maritime nonfiction I have ever read. It's on a list of cherished books I reread every few years. Many thanks to him for all his great work. Today we'll talk about him and about the Outlaw Sea.

A look at today's ships and their cargoWe'll talk a little today about ships on the river and their cargoes, which are primarily agricultural products and dry minerals.

Farewell to the beautiful barque EagleMonday we bid farewell to the USCG barque Eagle, the Coast Guard's training ship. She leaves Astoria headed south for San Francisco with a new cadre of cadets aboard, ready to learn the ropes about sailing a tall ship.

The Eagle lands in AstoriaFriday morning, the beautiful tall ship Eagle, the US Coast Guard's training ship, comes in from out at sea to the Port of Astoria, where she'll be available for tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here are the details:Arrive at the  Port of Astoria's Pier 1: around 11 am (this is a change from previous info per the bar pilots)Friday Tours: 3:30-7:00 pmSaturday Tours: 10 am to 7pmSunday Tours: 10 am to 7 pm.Monday: the Eagle heads out to sea (Departure Time TBA)

Eagle recap for Friday toursToday we'll take another look at the info about when and where you can tour the Eagle in Astoria. The original schedule, which was still out their earlier this week, was causing some confusion.On Friday, the Eagle will begin tours at 3:30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday at 10 am. And a reminder that you do not have to use Real ID to get aboard, Regular government issued ID, such as your driver's license will suffice.Latest info about USCG Barque Eagle Tours this weekend in Astoria:Eagle ToursFriday, June 13 (Friday info is different from previously released schedules, updated per the CG this week)Arrive at Port of Astoria Pier 1 around 12:30 pmOpen for tours: 3:30 - 7:00 pmSaturday, June 14Open for tours: 10 am - 7 pmSunday, June 15Open for tours: 10 am - 7 pmMonday: Underway, heading out to sea (will share time when I learn details)And just to verify: You can use regular government-issued ID (like a driver's license) to get aboard. You do NOT need Real ID for this tour.

Updated tour times for the Eagle in Astoria, and a listener question about the shipHere is the latest info, which I received Monday night, directly from the Coast Guard, regarding tours of the USCG Barque Eagle, which will be in Astoria beginning Friday. Note that this differs slightly from previous schedules which had Friday Tours beginning in the morning:Eagle ToursFriday, June 13Arrive at Port ofAstoria Pier 1 around 12:30 pmOpen for tours: 3:30- 7:00 pmSaturday, June 14Open for tours: 10am - 7 pmSunday, June 15Open for tours: 10am - 7 pmMonday: Underway,heading out to sea (will share time when I learn details)And just to verify:You can use regular government-issued ID (likea driver's license) to get aboard. You do NOT needReal ID for this tour.

Good news: Real ID not required for Eagle tours in AstoriaThe Rose Festival Fleet ships passed Astoria yesterday and headed out to sea.One of them will return to us at the end of the week for tours in Astoria and that's the USCG Barque Eagle, America's Tall Ship. She will be at the Port of Astoria for tours beginning on Friday.And before I talk about that more, some really good news that I have been getting a lot of questions about.OK, good news. I just verified with the Port of Astoria that when the Eagle is at the Port this coming weekend, you can board her for a tour with government issued ID, like your driver's license. It does NOT have to be Real ID.Sincere apologies for any confusion about this issue. Sources I consulted earlier said we did need Real ID, but that turned out to be incorrect.But the good news is you can (according to the Port) just show up with your regular ID to board the ship. Whew. I've been stressing over this one. I want everyone to be able to get on board. She's a beautiful ship.Current info about tours (from the Eagle's Facebook page):Come see us at Pier 1 in Astoria where we'll be offering free public tours during the following dates and times:• Friday, June 13: TBD• Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.• Sunday, June 15: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.No tickets are required, and tours are free of charge. See you then!-----------------------------------------I'll share any updates about Friday tour hours when/if I learn more.

What's next with the Rose Festival Fleet, and a bit more about that car ship fire off AlaskaThe Rose Festival Fleet will beginning their return trip downriver and out to sea over the weekend. We'll see the first visiting ship leave Portland on Sunday, and the rest on Monday. He USCG Barque Eagle will head out to sea Monday but will return at the end of next week for tours in Astoria.

Car ship blaze off Alaska shows dangers of shipboard fires, especially involving EVsThere's a car ship ablaze off the coast of the Aleutians, after a fire started on board. The crew has been safely evacuated but the ship remains on fire. We'll talk about the dangers of shipboard fires, made worse in the modern era of electric vehicles (EVs).

Wednesday Fleet Week updateToday we'll take a look at ships heading upriver for the Rose Festival today: the USCG Barque Eagle and the Canadian Navy vessel HMCS Nanaimo. Expect the Eagle to leave Astoria around 7:30am and around 8:30am the Nanaimo will pass Astoria inbound.For info about tours in Portland, go to rosefestival.org and click on the Fleet Week link.

The USCG barque Eagle comes into the Columbia, and the Rose Festival Fleet begins its journey upriverTuesday morning early we'll see the USCGC Eagle arrive on the Columbia. She'll cross the bar around 6 am and be in Astoria around 8:30am. The two US Navy ships at the Port of Astoria will head upriver to Portland. The Rose Festival Fleet is here and on the move.Today, more details on today's ships.

The Rose Festival Fleet goes upriver this weekThis week the visiting ships that comprise the Rose Festival Fleet will pass by Astoria and other points on the river to Portland. Ships will dock at the seawall at Tom McCall Park and be available for tours there.We have several ships heading past Astoria this week. Here's the list of ships and when we'll likely see them:Tuesday:USS Mustin - US Navy guided missile destroyer - Depart Port of Astoria ~8am Tuesday/ Portland ~3:30pmUSS Jack H Lucas - US Navy guided missile destroyer - Depart Port of Astoria ~8:30am Tuesday/ Portland ~4pmHMCS Nanaimo - Canadian Navy maritime coastal defence vessel - Passing Astoria ~8:30am Tuesday/ Portland ~4pmWednesday:USCGC Eagle - inbound past Astoria ~9:30am Wednesday/ Portland ~3:30pmMore info see the Rose Festival Fleet website: https://www.rosefestival.org/events/2025/fleetweekTrack ships in real time on vesselfinder or marinetraffic. Be aware that some military ships do not display AIS for security reasons or are designated as military with numbers instead of names.

A US Navy ship arrives for tours in Astoria, the Rose Festival Fleet, and dredge season on the riverAn opportunity Saturday to tour a US Navy ship that arrives at the Port of Astoria today. Likely the first of next week's Rose Festival Fleet of arriving ships, including the USCG tall ship Eagle.And it's dredge season on the Columbia River - and we'll be seeing at least one of these specialized vessels on the river for the rest of the year, doing her part to keep our ship channel free and clear for vessels. We'll talk about what these ships do here and about their special role in the maritime industry.

Maritime scholarship for students opens doors to educationToday we'll talk about a scholarship being offered through the Portland Merchant Exchange. It's an opportunity for students interested in a career in the maritime industry to get some funding assistance with their education.

Should you sail to Hawaii like Oliver Widger?It's a wonderful story about a person escaping a soul-crushing rut, and making a bold decision to pursue a dream. Oregonian Oliver Widger sailed out of Warrenton last month (with his cat) and made it safely all the way to Hawaii. He quit his job, bought a boat and sailed away, despite having little experience as a sailor.We've all dreamed of escaping at one time or another. So this begs the question: should you sail to Hawaii alone? Maybe. We'll talk today about what it takes.

Where do ships go when they travel on the river?Today we'll take a look at where ships go where they come to the Columbia. When we talk about the ship schedule, we hear that some ships are going to Portland, but some to the Port of Portland. What's the difference? We'll talk about all the options for ships when they arrive and have to go somewhere.

Two interesting vessels arriving in the river todayToday we'll talk about the first two arrivals on the river today: one a commercial fishing vessel coming into the river from Canada, and the other a bulk carrier here to pick up scrap metal.

Who's on the river today?Today a look at who's on the river today in terms of cargo vessels. A bit of gypsum, some cars, refined petroleum - and lots and lots of wheat.