The Most Recent Ship Report Podcast:

How our sunny, chilly weather can affect those working at sea

Our sunny weather may be a welcome break from the usual rain, but the lack of cloud cover is bringing cold nights - and that poses particular hazards for those working at sea these days, especially commercial fishermen.

Archive Podcasts:

First woman appointed to lead Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy

Nov 15, 2022

The first woman ever to head the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point was appointed this month. She’s a US Coast Guard Rear Admiral with a history of advocating for women’s rights in the maritime industry. She’s part of a wave of change in an industry that historically has not been welcoming to women. We’ll look at her story and compare it to the story of a famous Astorian, a woman who blazed trails in the maritime industry, but not without overcoming considerable hurdles.

Fitz followup: memories from one who was there

Nov 14, 2022

Last week we talked about the sinking of the ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald, and her tragic loss with all hands on November 10, 1975 in Lake Superior. This sad event echoed through Great Lakes communities, and people still commemorate this loss so many years later, as they honor the crew members and their families each year in ceremonies.

Today we hear from a local man who was living and working in the Great Lakes region when the Mighty Fitz went down. He Reid Johnson was 19 then, stationed aboard a USCG cutter. Their ship was too far away to help, but they heard the tragedy unfold on the ship’s radio.

The Wreck of the Mighty Fitz

Nov 11, 2022

She was known all around the world, thanks to Gordon Lightfoot’s famous song. But most people never knew that the song is a factual account of the sinking of a famous and beloved iron ore ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald. The sinking of the Mighty Fitz was one of the worst maritime tragedies in US history. Today, as we do every year, we honor her crew, their loved ones, and all of our maritime families.

Also, Happy Veteran’s Day to all our veterans and their loved ones.

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