Two Major Fishing Vessels Engage In Battle With a Major Twist in the End on ‘Deadliest Catch’

When it comes to fishing out in the Bering Sea, Deadliest Catch tends to showcase it as a very solo venture. But in reality, the fleets on the series are just a small microcosm of those hauling crab for the extraordinary paydays. With 33 boats competing for the last 700,000 pounds of crab left with only 100 square miles of fishable ground, the captains are doing whatever it takes to haul a bounty.

So far this season, there’s been a lot of teamwork and camaraderie in the Bering Sea among our fleet. Not anymore. Deadliest Catch brought us into the world of competition that we rarely see when the boats tend to be out on their own. Two of our most legendary ships, Fishing Vessel Northwestern and Fishing Vessel Wizard, have been on opposing sides, but after this battle in Season 21, something brought them together that showcased that even in a vast sea, you’re never truly alone.

Captain Sig and Captain Keith’s Battle Heated Up

There are codes for the sea, including don’t pull anyone’s pots without permission. With the available bairdi crab dwindling, Captain Sig Hansen saw F/V Wizard’s pot nearby, mopping up real estate. He was unwilling to break the code: “It would go against all the moral and ethical fibers of my body.” So, he enlisted his deckhand and son-in-law, Clark Pederson, to do the dirty work, allowing him to keep his hands clean. After Clark picked up the pot, it was revealed to have 60 crabs, confirming the spot was ripe for possibility. Willing to pounce on the territory, Captain Sig ordered his crew to drop pots, officially causing competitive commotion.

Of course, this did not bode well with Captain Keith Colburn, calling his rival a “sneaky bastard.” He went “dark ship” on the radar and was ready for a shoving match with the typically beloved captain. If Sig wanted to play dirty, Keith would too. On his journey to call out Sig face-to-face, he pulled up one of the Northwestern’s pots to see how his territory was being affected. The codes of the sea are thrown out the window once someone breaks them first.

The race was on, with the two boats physically able to see one another. But then it all changed. Sig made a risky maneuver, which included getting a line stuck in his propeller shaft. At first, Captain Keith laughed at the woe alongside his brother, Captain Monte Colburn, but when Sig radioed over that he had a problem that would cause Northwestern to “limp to town,” Keith let bygones be bygones to help Sig in his situation. Keith was able to tug the line out of danger’s way using his boat’s hydraulic-powered hauler, saving the veteran ship. “I owe you on this one,” Sig said to his nemesis. He paid him back as the captains decided to split the conflicted territory pots 50-50.

Maybe Captain Keith Isn’t Such a Bad Guy in ‘Deadliest Catch’

This shocking moment showcased the stress of the job and, while you may think you’re alone out in the Bering Sea, it’s much smaller than you think. Deadliest Catch proved rivalries mean nothing when you’re in need of help. Captain Sig has a vibrato when he’s working. It’s become his charm as the face of the franchise. But perfect, he’s not. Exposing his flaws was a truly notable moment for his arc and career. Normally portrayed as a larger-than-life legend, Sig makes mistakes like everyone else. His moral battle of being unwilling to check Keith’s pot himself proved there is some honorability inside, but his sneaky manner in which he subtly implied he wanted his son-in-law to do his dirty work exposed a slightly devious side that shattered that honor.

Now, Captain Keith’s arc this season has been wild. Having just recovered from a medical emergency, he continued to put his health at risk when he fired two crew members in two separate instances. But at the start of the season, Keith already came to the rescue, helping Captain Jake Anderson and his crew when they had to abandon ship. Captain Keith has a kind heart after all, making him one of the most fascinating characters on the show. His nobility makes him a hero we never knew he was.

Deadliest Catch airs Fridays at 8:00pm on Discovery Channel. All episodes are available to stream on HBO Max.