Headline: ‘Deadliest Catch’ Emergency: Captain Sig Hansen Confronts Health Crisis During Bering Sea Voyage
November 2, 2025 – One of the most intense and alarming moments in the 21-season history of the hit reality documentary series “Deadliest Catch” recently unfolded, focusing on the critical health of its legendary captain, Sig Hansen. In the latest season’s finale, viewers witnessed the seasoned captain buckle under the extreme conditions of the Bering Sea, once again sounding the alarm about the health risks associated with the dangerous profession of king crab fishing.
The Frightening Incident
The event occurred while the F/V Northwestern was operating at full capacity during the fishing season. Captain Sig Hansen began feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms including extreme fatigue, chest pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, and vomiting. The situation escalated to the point where a crew member found him collapsed on the floor of his room.
Notably, Hansen’s initial reaction was denial. Despite his visibly deteriorating health, he stubbornly refused to alert the U.S. Coast Guard, prioritizing the unfinished fishing haul over his own life. This persistence nearly cost him dearly.
Medical Intervention and Diagnosis
It was only after his son-in-law, Clark Pederson, consulted with a cardiology specialist over the phone that the gravity of the situation was fully realized. Medical professionals urged the crew to get Hansen to the nearest medical facility as quickly as possible. Hansen was eventually medically evacuated and hospitalized for a comprehensive examination.
The diagnosis at the hospital clarified the cause: Hansen has an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), a condition that significantly increases the risk of a recurring heart attack. He was strongly advised by doctors to make drastic lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and cutting back on caffeine, factors that add further strain to his already vulnerable cardiovascular system.
Health History and Recovery
This is not the first time the 59-year-old captain has faced life-threatening health issues. In March 2016, Hansen suffered a major heart attack right on the boat, an incident that was also filmed and broadcast on television. Subsequently, in October 2018, he experienced a second, “slight heart attack” triggered by an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
Future Career and a Stark Reminder
In a recent interview following the latest incident, Sig Hansen provided positive updates on his current health status. He shared that his heart is now 20 percent stronger and he is actively working on improving his well-being. While admitting that quitting smoking has been an ongoing battle, Hansen maintains that he has no intention of retiring from crab fishing anytime soon, though he is thinking about it more seriously.
Captain Sig Hansen’s recent health scare serves as a stark reminder of the extreme risks and pressures faced daily by fishermen in the Bering Sea. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing personal health, even in the most demanding work environments, where the line between life and death can be as fine as the edge of a storm.
Audiences are now closely following Hansen’s recovery journey and the future of the F/V Northwestern in the upcoming seasons of “Deadliest Catch.”
