Great Lakes freighter captains concerned about 'river rage'

Anincident between two massive Great Lakes freighters and a fishing boat on the St. ClairRiver near the Blue Water Bridge has sparked concerns over 'river rage.'

George Haynes, vice-president of Lakes Pilots Association, toldAfternoon Drivehost Chris dela Torre Friday about arecreational fishing boat that refused to make way for two southbound freighters in July.

"The first freighter that was coming down the channel blew the danger signal, and that boat did not get out of the way," Haynes said. "The pilot on [the freighter]started turning early, and had to come very close to the edge of the channel, which was not good ... being shallow water."

When a second freighter arrived in the channel half an hour later, the fishing boatheadedtoward the ship, instead of moving out of the way,Haynes said. He added that, at one point, the fisherman told one of the captains to "get out of his channel."

"We've never had fishermen intentionally trying to get in the way ... that's what so different about this one," Haynes explained. "Now that this has come out, I'm starting to get ...stories from other captains and pilots."

The Lakes Pilots Association ismeeting with the U.S. and Canadian coast guards, police and other authorities next week to discussthe situation. The local sport fishing associationhas also been invited.

"We just can't jump out of the way, we just can't hit the brakes," Haynessaid. "If they knew our limitations, that would help."