Prince William Sound Books

06/13/2026

The U.S. Navy is preparing to commission the USS Ted Stevens in Whittier, with officials citing the port’s deep-water access and Alaska’s military ties.

06/01/2026

U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR WESTERN ALASKA AND U.S. ARCTIC
PLANNED MARITIME COMMUNICATIONS OUTAGE ADVISORY: PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

Prince William Sound, Alaska – From May 31, 2026 to July 3, 2026, remote communications sites in Prince William Sound will undergo planned shutdowns for site upgrades resulting in intermittent communications outages. These upgrades will complete the final phase of a VHF modernization project which will significantly improve system reliability throughout Prince William Sound.

To prepare for temporary communications gaps during these upgrades, mariners are encouraged to take the following safety steps:
• Monitor VHF Channel 16 closely for local Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNM) detailing active outages
• Leave a detailed float plan with a reliable shore-side contact
• Thoroughly inspect and test all safety gear—including verifying that EPIRB/PLB registrations are current and satellite communications are operational—prior to getting underway

For any maritime emergencies, contact USCG Sector Western Alaska Command Center at 866-396-1361.

05/28/2026

A stunning cruiser ❤️

05/26/2026

Now that’s a cruiser!

05/25/2026

It’s been awhile since we have been on the water, and with sunshine and calm seas ❤️🙏🏻

05/19/2026

Does anyone register their EPIRB?

This boat cost taxpayers over $55K and placed search crews at risk!

Why?

Look closer at the device in the rescue swimmer’s hand… That’s the emergency beacon that sent out a distress signal to the Coast Guard triggering a full-scale response involving a helicopter, 2 boat crews, and 2 Coast Guard command centers.

The search was prolonged because the beacon’s registration wasn’t updated, making it impossible to quickly verify if anyone was in danger. Our aircrew eventually traced the signal to this derelict boat, confirming it was a false alarm.

This single incident is part of a larger trend.

False distress notifications result in expensive searches that place our crews’ lives at risk and divert critical resources from actual emergencies.

You can be part of the solution. Here’s how you can help:

• Register Your Beacon: Taking a few minutes to register your EPIRB and keeping it updated is the most effective way to help. Plus, it’s the law! You can do that here: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov

• Report Accidental Activations: Accidents happen. If you accidentally activate your beacon, call 1-855-406-8724 for a maritime location, 1-800-851-3051 for an alert on or over land, and in Alaska, 1-800-420-7230.

• Dispose properly: Dispose your EPIRB according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Your shared responsibility helps our crews remain ready to respond when it counts.

The name of the vessel has been digitally obscured for privacy.

05/19/2026

A timeless classic roaming Southern California

05/13/2026

A beautiful classic cruiser 😍

05/11/2026

Last month, our oceanographers Dr. Rob Campbell and Jessica Pretty did a lap of Prince William Sound on the PWSSC R/V New Wave. Our oceanographers take this ‘lap of the Sound’ approximately six times a year, aiming to collect data before, during, and after the spring and fall phytoplankton blooms, which are rapid increases in phytoplankton biomass in the ocean.

Long-term monitoring such as this allows us to understand how the ecosystem is changing over time. Samples are collected at 12 stations across the Sound to describe what is occurring in different parts of the Sound. Take a look at the map to see where we are collecting data from in the Prince William Sound.