HORRIBLE Accident At Deadliest Catch, The Alaskan Sea Claimed Another Captain

The competition is so steep that hundreds of vessels are out on the Bering Sea, hoping to beat others to grab the crab that will enrich their lives. It’s understandable that some of them struggle to manage their affairs. If it isn’t the arduous task of navigating through treacherous waters, it’s the challenge of managing resources after achieving success.

For instance, take a look at Josh Harris, one of the fishermen on the show. His life spiraled somewhat out of control, leaving him with a ton of legal troubles. Thankfully, there are figures like Sig Hansen, the heralded sea captain of the FV Northwestern, who has shown how to manage fame and fortune gained from success on the open seas.

Be that as it may, life as a crab fisherman isn’t easy. Perhaps that’s why Sig Hansen is grateful for his background. Sig is the son of Sverre Hansen. Although Sig was born in the U.S., his father originated from Karmøy, Norway. After arriving in the U.S. in 1958, Sverre began fishing for opilio crabs—a tradition Sig continues to this day.

This job must have felt like a blessing at the time, providing year-round fishing opportunities and a new income source. As they maximized this business, fishermen were rewarded with significant income improvements, especially during the challenging opilio crab season.

With time, Deadliest Catch expanded to focus on several crab seasons: king crab, bairdi crab, and opilio crab. Despite the difficulties these seasons bring, we must recognize the efforts of the camera crew, who tag along with fishermen for months in harsh conditions to capture their stories. It’s no small feat to share space on these vessels and produce compelling footage.

Interestingly, not many know that these crab fishermen don’t face the same fishing limitations as others in the industry. While environmental regulations often cap how many fish can be caught, Deadliest Catch fishermen focus primarily on the show, making their catch a bonus. This allows them to sell their crab at lower prices—much to the ire of other fishermen who lack the luxury of TV contracts to supplement their income.

The Challenges of the Open Seas

Although focused on earning money, crab fishermen must also contend with the forces of nature, particularly the moon’s influence on the ocean tides. Events like a supermoon, with its intensified gravitational pull, can create devastating waves and tides. Jake Anderson, a fisherman on Deadliest Catch, recalled the harrowing experience of navigating through a supermoon’s rough seas in 2018. These unpredictable conditions serve as a constant reminder of the dangers inherent to their profession.

Adding to these natural challenges are the effects of climate change. As waters warm, crabs migrate to deeper, colder areas of the ocean. To keep up, fishing boats must venture into increasingly dangerous territories, further raising the risks of accidents and injury.

Is the Show Real or Fake?

Despite the perilous reality of crab fishing, Deadliest Catch has not escaped skepticism about its authenticity. While the most dangerous moments are filmed live, some scenes are reportedly re-shot to satisfy the director’s vision. Additionally, claims of pre-planned drama among the cast have raised questions about how genuine the show really is. For example, certain characters have been shaped into villains to enhance the storytelling, even if it compromises the show’s authenticity.

The Unfair Distribution of Wealth

Another point of contention is the disparity in earnings between local crab fishermen and those featured on the show. While Deadliest Catch fishermen can rely on TV exposure and supplementary income, local fishermen often earn significantly less despite facing similar—or greater—challenges. Reports from the Alaska Film Office revealed that local fishermen earned an average of $77,000 per season, while out-of-state workers earned over $1.3 million collectively.

This disparity is exacerbated by government subsidies provided to the show, such as a reported $700,000 grant to cover transport and accommodations during the most recent season. Local fishermen, meanwhile, must cover these costs themselves, often with much lower pay.

A Dangerous Profession

The dangers of crab fishing are well-documented. Statistics show that the profession has a death rate 80 times higher than the average job. While safety measures like the catch-share program have significantly reduced fatalities, the inherent risks remain. Sleep deprivation, unpredictable weather, and equipment failure all contribute to the hazards these fishermen face.

Behind the Scenes

The Deadliest Catch production crew also faces challenges, from harsh weather to damaged equipment. Yet, they manage to produce hours of compelling content, weaving together the struggles, victories, and interpersonal drama of the fishermen.

The Villains and Heroes

Over the years, Deadliest Catch has introduced memorable characters, some of whom have been cast as villains to spice up the narrative. For instance, Captain Keith Colburn and Elliot Neese were portrayed as antagonists at various points. The Hillstrand brothers, fan favorites, faced their own drama when a dispute with the Discovery Channel led to their departure from the show.