A gem from the Ship Report archives: Interview with a rescue swimmer

A gem from the Ship Report archives: Interview with a rescue swimmer

There 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.

What are those red patches in the river?

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.