The Wreck of the Mighty Fitz

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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Today we look at our ships on the river, and what they mean for us

A closer look at who’s on the river today, from the perspective of where these ships fit into what’s essential in our daily lives.

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An update on the Golden Globe solo round the world race

Contenders have been at sea for a little over two months, and boats are now rounding the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa after departing France in September. In first place is Simon Curwen of the UK, and in second place, about a day behind him, is Kirsten Neuschäfer, from South Africa. Neuschäfer the only woman sailing in the race, and she sailed past Cape Town yesterday.

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Full moon, lunar eclipse, the Moon is a big player in our night skies this week and always

This week we see a full moon under clear skies, a rare thing this time of year. We also had a lunar eclipse this week. All reasons to appreciate the beauty and power of the Moon, that orbiting planet that exerts so much influence over our home, Earth.

Image Credit: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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Wind chill, a potentially life-threatening feature of winter on the water

Today, as the weather turns cold and snow comes to the highlands, we’ll talk about how wind and temperature can work together to create life threatening circumstances on board for people working out in the weather.

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We’ve got some weather comin’ in

First big storm of the season hits the coast today. We’ll talk about winter weather here, and look at some terms like “atmospheric river” and “coastal jet.”

Overall, it’s not the worst storm we’ve ever seen by a long shot, but it’s going to rain like mad for awhile. Hunker down a bit, prepare for a power outage, and keep an eye out for flooding.

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The little-noticed but stunning power of the tide

Every day something both extraordinary and ordinary happens on our waterways: the changing of the tide. We seldom stop to think about it, but this ordinary occurrence represents the influence of powerful forces on the Earth by celestial bodies far from us, in outer space.

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One more time: story shows sneaker waves are a serious local threat

Today a look at a story about a couple who almost died earlier this week when they were walking on the beach on the Long Beach Peninsula and were caught by a sneaker wave. We’ll look at why such waves occur here and not in other places, and why we need to be mindful even on nice days.

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Update on renewable diesel project planned for Clatskanie

Projects like this have to jump through many permitting hoops before they get a green light to build. This project is facing opposition from local farmers. A key permit was reversed last week by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.

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Maritime technology instructor job opening at Clatsop Community College

A look at a local job opportunity for an experienced mariner – a chance to teach and spend a little more time on land.

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