💔 Heartbreaking News😭! Captain Keith Colburn CONFIRMS His Cancer Battle — “It’s Eating Me Alive Day by Day!!!”

⚓ Deadliest Catch Bombshell: Captain Keith Colburn Confirms He’s Fighting Cancer Amid Season 21 Return ⚓

With the highly anticipated return of Deadliest Catch Season 21, fans were relieved to finally see Captain Keith Colburn back at the helm of the F/V Wizard after his frightening health scare last season. But now, the reality is even more sobering—Keith has revealed he is not only recovering from a mini stroke but is also battling cancer.

The Scare at Sea

Viewers will remember the shocking moment last season when Keith suffered a “terrifying” medical emergency out on the Bering Sea. Many feared the worst—possibly a heart attack or stroke—before he was airlifted to land. Though he was discharged from the hospital without answers, fans were left in the dark as the captain went almost completely silent on social media, with only two short holiday messages breaking months of worry.

At the time, the only update was that his doctors had ordered him to remain onshore, close to a hospital. Fans were desperate for clarity.

Diagnosis Revealed: Mini Stroke

With the premiere of Season 21, Keith finally shared that doctors diagnosed him with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini stroke.” The scare forced him to face the reality of his dangerous lifestyle.

“I have to minimize my stress this year,” he admitted. “I’m not flying out on a plane again. The most stressful job in the world is being the captain on a Bering Sea crab boat. I need to figure out how to go from here—” he said, gesturing high with his hand, “—down to here.”

New Battle: Cancer

But in a shocking turn, Keith confirmed in a recent interview that he has also been diagnosed with cancer, though he did not disclose the exact type or stage. The revelation stunned fans, who were already concerned for his health.

“I’m fighting two battles now,” Keith admitted. “One is out there on the water… the other is inside my own body.”

Despite the devastating news, Keith says he refuses to give up the job that defines him: “I was born to be a fisherman. As long as I can stand on that deck, I’ll keep going.”

Storms On Every Front

Season 21 is already throwing everything at Keith and his crew—a broken rudder, a fight over a fuel dock, a near-collision, and even watching another vessel forced to abandon ship. The tension and danger only amplify the weight of his personal struggle.

His crew, aware of his fragile health, are standing firmly behind him, offering support and encouragement as he learns to balance his fiery leadership style with the need to protect his own life.

Fans Rally Around the Captain

News of Keith’s cancer battle has sparked an outpouring of love from fans across the world. Social media is filled with messages of strength and prayers for the veteran captain, many calling him the “heart of the Bering Sea fleet.”

One longtime viewer wrote:

“Keith has always fought through the storm. This fight is no different. We believe in him.”

What Lies Ahead

For now, Keith remains determined to keep fishing while undergoing treatment. TLC has not confirmed whether his cancer battle will be featured in upcoming episodes, but one thing is clear: this season isn’t just about the crabs or the storms—it’s about a captain’s fight for his life.