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LTM Additions: Yesterday (Wed, May 20)
25 New LTM\’s Added Yesterday
SELECT LTM Area:SELECT Format:25 ALL Areas LTM\’s Added on 2026-05-20
ALL Areas List for 2026-05-20 (25 Found)
LNM: AIWW MM:261.8, New River – Cape Fear River Daybeacon 76 Destroyed
LNM: Off OWW MM:61.4, Lake Okeechobee (Rt 2) Daybeacon 94 Missing
LNM: OWW MM:39.3, Lake Okeechobee (Rt 2) Light 2 Missing
LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:541.5, Corpus Christi Channel Light 44 Destroyed
LNM: GIWW-East MM:173.2, Pensacola-Mobile Buoy 21 Offstation
LNM: GIWW-East MM:173.4, Pensacola-Mobile Buoy 19 Offstation
LNM: GIWW-West MM:628.4, Land Cut-Arroyo Colorado Daybeacon 70 Offstation
LNM: Off AIWW MM:470.9, Folly River Buoy 4 Offstation
LNM: Off GIWW MM:74.4, New Pass Channel Daybeacon 9 Set TRUB
LNM: Off AIWW MM:468.0, Hog Island Reach Channel Lighted Buoy 42 Offstation
LNM: AIWW MM:329.6, Cape Fear River – Little River Buoy 76 Relocated
LNM: AIWW MM:330.4, Cape Fear River – Little River Buoy 80A Relocated
LNM: AIWW MM:330.5, Cape Fear River – Little River Buoy 81 Relocated
LNM: AIWW MM:329.7, Cape Fear River – Little River Light 77 Relocated
LNM: AIWW MM:326.7, Cape Fear River – Little River Warning Daybeacon Relocated
LNM: AIWW MM:329.7, Cape Fear River – Little River Light 77 Changed
LNM: Off AIWW MM:227.7, Bogue Inlet Lighted Buoy 1 Relocated
LNM: Off AIWW MM:227.7, Bogue Inlet Lighted Buoy 2 Relocated
LNM: Off AIWW MM:227.8, Bogue Inlet Lighted Buoy 3 Relocated
LNM: Off AIWW MM:227.8, Bogue Inlet Buoy 4 Relocated
LNM: Off AIWW MM:227.8, Bogue Inlet Buoy 5 Relocated
LNM: Off AIWW MM:228.0, Bogue Inlet Lighted Buoy 6 Relocated
LNM: Off AIWW MM:228.1, Bogue Inlet Lighted Buoy 7 Relocated
LNM: OWW MM 94 Ortona Diving Operations May 20-21, Caloosahatchee River, FL
LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:667.3, Laguna Madre Channel Light 9 MissingBe the first to comment!
What is the Risk for a Super El Nino? Fred Pickhardt
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Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for moreWhat is the Risk for a Super El Nino?
The ENSO Diagnostic Discussion issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center on May 14, 2026, indicates that ENSO is transitioning toward an El Niño event.
Current Status: El Niño Watch
While the system is currently in an ENSO-neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña), there are strong signals that this will change very soon.
Key Highlights:
- Emergence of El Niño: There is an 82% chance that El Niño will emerge between May and July 2026.
- Long-term Outlook: The event is expected to persist through the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026–27, with a 96% probability during the December–February period.
- Oceanic Conditions: Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the east-central Pacific are currently near average, but subsurface temperatures have been rising for six consecutive months. This “warm pool” below the surface is a precursor to the development of El Niño at the surface.
- Atmospheric Coupling: Low-level westerly wind anomalies have been observed, which helps push warm water toward South America, further fueling the El Niño development.
Strength and Impact:
- Uncertainty in Intensity: While experts are confident El Niño will happen, its peak strength remains uncertain. This summer, a weak El Nino will likely become moderate during the late summer and early fall. Thereafter, there is significant uncertainty as the probability distribution is relatively evenly spread between moderate to very strong with no specific category having more than a 37% chance of occurring.
Risk Assessment
Based on the May 2026 ENSO Diagnostic Discussion, the following table provides the percentage probability for each strength level of El Niño (and Neutral conditions) for the upcoming seasons.
The strength is determined by the Niño-3.4 Index (sea surface temperature departures in the east-central Pacific).
El Niño Strength Probabilities (%)
Analysis of the Data:
- Peak Intensity: The forecast suggests a steady intensification throughout the year. While the event starts as “Weak,” the probability of a “Very Strong” El Niño (≥ 2.0°C) increases significantly toward the end of the year, peaking at 37% during the November–January period.
- Winter Outlook: By the Northern Hemisphere winter (DJF), there is a combined 60% chance of the event being either “Strong” or “Very Strong.”
As we move into early summer, the model uncertainties will diminish and we will be able to better predict the peak intensity.
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© 2026 Fred Pickhardt
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104Be the first to comment!
Venezuelan Coast Guard Recovers Sailboat Stolen from St. Vincent Anchorage – Loose Cannon
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Venezuelan Coast Guard Recovers Sailboat Stolen from St. Vincent Anchorage
Now, All Her Owner Has To Do Is Figure Out How To Get Her Home
Rudolpho Alexander of St. Vincent & the Grenadines was gratified to learn that his boat, stolen from the anchorage at Frigate Island on Saturday, has been recovered by authorities in Venezuela.
Alexander, owner of the Famous Liquor & Smoke Shop, said the Venezuela Coast Guard had notified their St. Vincent counterparts that they have possession of the CS 40 sloop named Great Habit. And that’s about all he knows, not even her precise location in that troubled South American nation.
Today he was wondering what kind of bureaucratic hurdles and expense will face trying to recover his boat from a place that has long been a no-go for foreign sailors. Alexander does not speak Spanish.
“Well, I’m just waiting for an update from the Coast Guard. I hope it’s not going to cost me too much now,” Alexander told Loose Cannon. “I may just have to leave it, or try to sell it or something.”
Alexander said he found Great Habit on a dock in Carriacou where she lay with hurricane damage in 2024. He bought her from a man at the boatyard who had acquired the boat either from the previous Canadian owners or their insurance company. He kept the Great Habit name.
Venezuela has several Coast Guard bases a one or two day reach from St. Vincent, including at La Iguana Island, Barcelona, La Guaira (near Caracas), Carúpano, and Margarita Island.
LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.
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TowBoatUS and BoatUS Foundation Partner with Lynnhaven River NOW to Remove 10 Abandoned Boats from Virginia Waters
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
TowBoatUS and BoatUS Foundation Partner with Lynnhaven River NOW to Remove 10 Abandoned Boats from Virginia Waters
MEDIA CONTACT:Alisha ShethBoatUS Public Relations Manager.
TowBoatUS and BoatUS Foundation Partner with Lynnhaven River NOW to Remove 10 Abandoned Boats from Virginia Waters
Effort is part of larger initiative to remove up to 100 vessels and address growing abandoned and derelict vessel (ADV) issue
An image of an ADV removed from the Elizabeth River and crushed for disposal.
Photo Credit: BoatUS Foundation
SPRINGFIELD, Va, May 19, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation, a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating helped Lynnhaven River and TowBoatUS at ports Gwynns Island and Portsmouth,
remove 10 abandoned derelict vessels (ADVs) from waterways across Gloucester and Portsmouth, Virginia. This initiative is aimed at addressing navigational hazards and environmental impacts of ADVs on coastal Virginia waterways. The removals took place April 14–16 and are part of a broader effort to remove up to 100 ADVs in the area. Lynnhaven River NOW’s project brought together nonprofit, government and private partners to address the growing environmental and navigational risks posed by abandoned boats. This project is supported by a 2023 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program.
“Abandoned boats don’t just disappear. They become a burden on communities, the environment and local economies,” said Alanna Keating, Director of Outreach at BoatUS Foundation. “By connecting trusted partners, we are addressing the issue of ADVs and making real progress toward cleaner, safer Virginia waterways.”
Removing abandoned vessels provides immediate benefits to local waterways and communities. Left unattended, these vessels can leak fuel, create navigation hazards, and harm marine ecosystems and shorelines. Their removal enhances boater safety, safeguards natural habitats, and helps prevent lasting environmental damage.
TowBoatUS operators Chris Parker of Gwynns Island and Donald Duck of Portsmouth were contracted to do the removals, volunteering significant time and resources while working through a wide range of vessel conditions.
“Every removal is different, and often more complex than people realize,” Parker said. “Some vessels can be refloated and towed, while others need to be taken apart piece by piece. It takes time and coordination, but the impact on the community and the bay is significant once removed.”
“These boats pose real risks to navigation and safety,” Duck said. “We see how they can break free, damage property, or require emergency response. Prevention through proper insurance and responsible disposal can make a big difference.”
BoatUS Foundation also has a broader ADV Program, which includes the Turning the Tide Summit and a national database to track abandoned vessels nationwide.
Local leaders in attendance during the local cleanups included Gloucester County Administrator Greg Gentry, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Zone Manager Jeff Flood, and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover.
Anyone who encounters an abandoned or derelict vessel on a waterway is encouraged to report it at https://boatus.org/adv-
database. ###
ABOUT THE BOATUS FOUNDATION:
BoatUS Foundation is supporting projects that were selected through their nationally competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels throughout coastal and marine areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation created a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public and support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris disposal. This project is supported by a 2023 award from the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
ABOUT TOWBOATUS:
TowBoatUS is the nation’s largest on-water towing and assistance service, with more than 300 locations across the United States. Captains are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed professionals who provide 24/7 on-water assistance including towing, soft ungroundings, battery jumps and fuel delivery. TowBoatUS also plays a critical role in supporting marine debris removal and response efforts in partnership with local and national organizations.
ABOUT LYNNHAVEN RIVER NOW:
Lynnhaven River works with residents, businesses, faith communities, schools, and community leaders to restore and protect Virginia Beach waterways and natural resources. LRNow believes that every community should have pure water, clean air, and access to open spaces for recreation. LRNow believes that every community should have pure water, clean air, and access to open spaces for recreation.
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TWO KINDS OF ART – Janice Anne Wheeler, Sparring With Mother Nature
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Hey Secret Sparring Society—we’re getting there on this project. Promise. Raised her up for final keel work. She’s looking like a sailing yacht! Whoop whoop.
If you just found our very engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, .….it introduces my wonders and my wanders. ~J
Nope—it’s not Sunday. I’m interrupting my accidental boatbuilding project (which is a whole other art form, really) with a worthy musician, a second intro of sorts. You’re receiving this week’s publication one day early for an extraordinary reason– Saturday night this writer will be up late because the keyboard aficionado protagonist of my latest work is performing as he does many times each month. This time, there is much to celebrate—a book debut and a birthday, neither of which should ever go unnoticed. If you’re local to the Chesapeake Bay (sorry you folks down under….!), join an incredibly talented group of musicians AND the debut of “WHO IS JIMMY WARREN?” at a mod little venue in Annapolis, Maryland, 49 West. Signed copies. Admiration. Secrets revealed. No better way to showcase art than energetic vibe and table service.
Jimmy Jacobs and Jimmy Warren have the same talented hands. Thus far royalties won’t cover the cost of my next tank of gas, but the response from people, the surprise and intrigue from those who know Jimmy well and from those who will never meet him, is reward enough. That’s why writers do what we do. And when people get the jist of this particular story, they’ll buy the book, regret that they didn’t, or neither. (I assure you do NOT have to be a Grateful Dead fan.)
When Jimmy’s dad turned 80, he told his son that ‘if he had regrets about life, it was more for the things he didn’t do than the things he did.’ Throughout the extensive, very personal process of sharing stories and editing the depiction, that quote didn’t come to light and was not included in the original publication. During the revisions, I made sure it got in there.
Mother Nature gifted some of us with musical abilities. Others, such as myself, staying in tune is a hard no. I tell another’s story from their point of view; I’ve practiced, and I have a talent that, honestly, I cannot fully explain; I’m not boasting because it’s rather confounding sometimes and can give me pause. My short intrusion, the time I take as their storyteller, is a tiny percentage of that person’s life. They LIVED THEIR STORY. They CREATED THEIR STORY, whether intentionally or with a random chain of events triggered by ‘sure.’ Most tales never get told.
Me? I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT IT. Fascinated, intrigued, energized, moved by the stories people have underneath calm demeanors and outwardly ordinary lives, people who, day to day, walk by you on the street and stand behind you in the grocery store; they hear the same bad news and yet prevail with their strengths and talents that no one even realizes because they still have to eat and drive and pay their rent and no one has time to consider the past when it’s hard to contemplate a shaky future and then their talents diminish with each passing year of misuse, (or do they), and everyone comes to believe that the story is not worth telling but it probably is, whether to a meeting or a friend or an author or whoever you think might be your Higher Power, it’s worthy, I tell you. Maybe more than worthy.
Stories don’t have to be printed, they just have to be shared, reflected upon, considered, learned from and noted, remembered, respected, archived and MOST IMPORTANTLY, listened to. Do we listen? Most folks are simply looking for someone to make them feel important. While I understand, deeply, that time is a valuable commodity, it is the only cost of listening to a fellow human being who simply needs a kind audience and to feel like they matter. STEADFAST is visible and accessible enough that we have folks, boat-loving folks, strangers, wanderers, and friends drop by and simply start reminiscing, telling tales from Navy service to piano repair, fortunes lost to dreams come true. They’re looking for a commonality and an audience. Both can be hard to find.
Nine weeks ago in a moment of madness I signed up for an online class called “The Science of Happiness.” My first session is still in an open tab, stuck on the ‘pause’ icon thirty minutes into my trip down joyful lane. I should have known that there was not enough room for that this month. I wanted there to be. We all chase happiness, don’t we? What IS the science of happiness? Perhaps my warm, fuzzy, Carpenter-bee loving self was secretly a little appalled that it was a science instead of an art form. The happiness professorial team are so determined to hear from me that they send emails begging for a continuation of the education I never got and didn’t need. I’m kick-ass happy this weekend to be signing books with storied pianist Jimmy Jacobs aka Jimmy Warren aka Jimmy Johnson aka…we all get to showcase our art.
Rather late last night two folks knocked on the port hull of Miss STEADFAST just as I started editing this piece. I didn’t have time for a visit, but as I peered down, a lifetime of politeness prevailed. They requested a tour, told their story—two pilots with a newly acquired passion and 46’ Vagabond sailboat under repair (by other people). Their enthusiasm was genuine; their timeframe will be longer than they expect. We talked SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE, they climbed down the ladder with contact info tucked away—STEADFAST’s story, if they choose to access it, and my own. Whether they ever contact me or not, I’m glad I took the time.
Next time someone needs to be listened to, it just might be worthwhile, or it just might be you. ~J
Happy Hippies everywhere. Jimmy tickles those ivories with no sheet music in sight, ever, and very talented Birthday Man Dean Rosenthal is on the left. Have a minute? Take a look at WHO IS JIMMY WARREN? Keyboards, Chasing the Dragon & Jerry Garcia to decide for yourself if it’s worthy of a few hours of your time.
A sampling of our private reviews:
***** WHO IS JIMMY WARREN? is an “All Access” back stage pass to the music scene of the 70s and 80s. It’s also a page-turning thriller with danger and heart-pounding adventure! Lon Holmberg
***** I loved the way this was told….What a life Jimmy lived. So glad he decided to tell his story. Definitely a different time…buy this book! Debby
It’s not simple or easy to put great stories into words. If you think I string them together in a worthwhile fashion, you can support my assorted writing endeavors, as some of you already do with a thumbs up, a comment, a purchase, a re-stack or an upgrade—whatever works for you works for me.
My Website “Everybody Has A Story”
‘Til next week— here’s your sunrise…
Share SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE
I so appreciate your support of my work. Have a wonderful week!
© 2026 Janice Anne Wheeler
Living aboard Sailing Yacht STEADFAST again soon!
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