Longshore supporters cited for violating safety zone at Port of Kalama terminal

PORTLAND, Oregon — The U.S. Coast Guard has cited the owner of a protest boat that violated a 200-yard safety zone at the Port of Kalama, Washington

Protest boats have taken to the Columbia River because of a contract dispute between grain terminal operators and the International Longshore & Warehouse Union. The owners of grain terminals in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland have initiated lockouts.

Petty Officer Shawn Eggert says protesters respected the safety zone until Tuesday, when three boats with pro-union supporters got too close to the tug boat Mary H as it tried to maneuver a grain ship.

The Coast Guard boarded one boat to issue a citation and remind the protesters of the zone. The boats left the area.

A union spokeswoman did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

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