The Heartbreaking Tragedy of Mandy Hansen on Deadliest Catch

Fans of Deadliest Catch have always had their hearts in their mouths thanks to the tough reality the show’s crew sometimes face. But nothing could have prepared them for the heartbreaking tragedy Mandy Hansen, daughter of the show’s Captain Sig Hansen, had to face outside the show.

On Deadliest Catch, we have seen how resolute the crew is in continuing to risk their lives in the unforgiving Bering Sea. They display courage when faced with extreme dangers. However, there was always the safety net of it being a reality show, with plans in place to minimize damages. In real life, though, there are no redos or plans to mitigate unforeseen tragedies. A terrible tragedy happened to Mandy, and it was all too real.

Born on May 15, 1996, in Seattle, Washington, Mandy might never have set foot on a fishing vessel. However, her mother, June Hansen, divorced her father and later married Sig Hansen, a fisherman and the CEO of the Northwestern fishing fleet. Sig co-owned the fleet with his brothers, Norman and Edgar Hansen. After June married Sig, he adopted Mandy and gave her the Hansen last name. This marked the beginning of her love story with the sea.

While growing up as a Hansen, Mandy developed a strong love for the ocean and sea life, which influenced her career and interests. By the time she was 18, she had graduated from Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle and moved to San Diego to continue her education. She studied maritime subjects at the California Maritime Academy to prepare for a career in fishing.

Even before earning a degree, Mandy was deeply committed to fishing. Her father, Sig, didn’t approve because he thought it was too dangerous and wanted her to follow her siblings into safer jobs. But Mandy was determined to pursue her passion. She often spent her summers on Sig’s fishing boat, learning about fishing and its challenges.

Sig described her as adventurous and outdoorsy, saying, “She just wants to be on the water. Anything she can do to be on the water, I think that’s in her future.” Still, he feared for her safety and often tried to change her mind, warning her of the dangers. Despite his concerns, Mandy remained resolute.

When Mandy realized that her father wouldn’t stop trying to change her mind, she started looking for other job opportunities. Some fishing CEOs who had seen her work with Sig offered her positions. Mandy seriously considered these offers. Seeing her determination, Sig decided it was better to teach her everything she needed to know rather than let her work on other boats.

Mandy joined the Northwestern crew as a greenhorn, a term for a beginner in the fishing industry. She worked hard, learning from her father and the experienced crew members. Within a few episodes of Deadliest Catch, Mandy demonstrated her skills and dedication, proving she was worthy of being part of the crew.

Sig, the eldest of three brothers, came from a family with deep fishing roots. His father and grandfather pioneered opilio crab fishing in Alaska, and it was natural for Sig to follow in their footsteps. He began learning the fishing trade at age 14, working on his family’s boat while attending school. By age 22, he became a relief skipper and, two years later, officially took over as captain of the Northwestern.

Under Sig’s leadership, the Northwestern maintained an excellent safety record, with no crew member fatalities. This commitment to safety made him one of the most respected figures in the fishing industry.

In 2005, Sig became part of the popular reality TV show Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel. The show focused on two crab fishing seasons in the Bering Sea, giving viewers an inside look at life aboard various fishing boats. The Northwestern often competed with rival boats to catch as many crabs as possible in the harsh Alaskan waters.

Crab fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. In 2006, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that commercial fishing had the highest fatality rate of any occupation, with 141 deaths per 100,000 workers. The dangers included unpredictable weather, icy waters, and heavy equipment.

During the main crabbing season, about one fisherman dies every week, and nearly every crew member suffers injuries due to the tough working conditions. Over 80% of the deaths are caused by drowning or hypothermia from falling into the icy waters.

In response to these dangers, the production team pushed for changes in fishing rules to make the job safer. The U.S. Coast Guard stationed rescue helicopters at key locations, such as Kodiak, Alaska, and St. Paul Island near the fishing grounds, to assist in emergencies.

Sig himself faced the harsh realities of the Bering Sea and his own health issues. In season 12, he suffered a heart attack while at sea, about an hour from the nearest port. Initially, he thought the pain in his chest and arm was just muscle soreness from poor sleep. However, it turned out to be a severe heart attack known as the “widowmaker,” which is often fatal.

In 2019, Sig experienced another heart attack, raising concerns about whether he could continue captaining the Northwestern. Despite these health scares, Sig recovered and returned to the show the following season, showing his resilience and dedication to crab fishing.

Although Sig worried about the dangers Mandy would face if she pursued a career in fishing, her love for the sea and determination to follow in her father’s footsteps proved stronger than his concerns. Mandy’s journey into the world of fishing hasn’t been easy, but it reflects her strong connection to the ocean and her family’s legacy.

As Mandy grew more experienced, she became the youngest woman to fish on the Bering Sea. Despite achieving this milestone, she knew many more challenges awaited her. Her determination to prove herself and uphold her family’s tradition drove her forward.

Mandy and her father, Sig, faced numerous challenges together, including a power outage on the Northwestern that nearly resulted in a fire. Mandy stayed calm under pressure, working alongside her father to resolve the crisis. This event earned her the respect of the crew and fans of the show.