Columbia River pilots, who guide ships between from Astoria and inland ports like Longview, Portland and Vancouver, are expressing concerns about the safety of piloting a ship amidst anticipated protests and heavy law enforcement when an EGT ship arrives this month.
A veteran Columbia River pilot says he’s concerned that he could be compelled to steer a ship to the EGT grain terminal at the Port of Longview — even if mass protests create a risky environment.
Phillip Massey, 62, of Kalama, said he isn’t taking sides in the ongoing labor dispute between union longshoremen and EGT. However, he said pilots could be caught in a pinch: They risk losing their licenses if they decline to pilot a vessel, and they risk possible retaliation from protesters if they do.
A large number of protesters is expected to greet the EGT ship. Massey said he’s not concerned that local longshoremen will cause problems for the pilots, but fringe elements from the hundreds or even thousands of out-of-town protesters might resort to harassment even after the ship has come and gone.
Also, a strong law-enforcement presence might add fuel to the fire, Massey said.