Sig Hansen Breaks Into Tears After His Friend Jeff Is Annouched Lost At Sea | Deadliest Catch

On February 11, 2017, Captain Jeff and his crew of the fishing boat Destination were heading up the Bearing Sea near St. George Island when disaster struck. The United States Coast Guard in Anchorage received an urgent call: the Destination was in trouble, just a mile west of St. George Island. The Coast Guard immediately sent out a distress signal to all ships in the area, asking them to keep a lookout and offer assistance if possible.

As the search began, the Coast Guard launched an urgent rescue mission. A MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched to the Destination‘s last known location, where an emergency beacon had been activated. The helicopter crew was hopeful that the six crew members might be safe, but they remained on alert, ready to assist should they be found.

The last known signal from the Destination‘s tracking system placed the boat just two miles from St. George Island. Upon arriving in the area, the helicopter crew scanned the vast, ice-filled ocean for any signs of the missing vessel. The sea was cluttered with debris, including buoys and parts of crab pots, making visibility challenging. But then, the crew spotted an orange object in the water. Upon closer inspection, they discovered it was a life ring, a crucial piece of evidence. The life ring was marked with the Destination‘s name, which confirmed the boat had indeed been in distress.

As the search continued, more pieces of debris were found floating in the water, signs of the chaotic, life-threatening situation the crew had faced. The Coast Guard called for nearby vessels, such as the Silver Spray, to assist with the search and recovery of any additional clues. Every bit of wreckage, no matter how small, became a vital piece of the puzzle.

The Coast Guard and other nearby ships worked tirelessly, coordinating their efforts and sharing information over radio. Mariners relayed details of their last encounters with the Destination, helping to build a clearer picture of the boat’s movements and the events leading up to its demise. Despite the cold and treacherous conditions, the search never slowed, and every crew member was determined to find the six men who had disappeared.

As hours passed, the situation became increasingly dire. The rescue teams faced not only the physical challenges of searching the icy waters but also the emotional toll of realizing that time was running out. The discovery of personal belongings and wreckage in the sea served as a painful reminder of the dangers mariners face every day. But the Coast Guard pressed on, knowing that their efforts were crucial in determining what had happened and, hopefully, saving lives.

Meanwhile, back on shore, the families of the missing crew members awaited news. Coast Guard liaison officers worked tirelessly to keep the families updated, offering support and ensuring they stayed connected to the ongoing search.

The search was further complicated by the unpredictable weather conditions, which worsened with each passing hour. Stormy seas and high waves added additional challenges to the already difficult rescue mission. However, the Coast Guard’s resolve remained unbroken, and they continued to scour the vast expanse of the sea, hoping for any sign of the crew.

In the midst of this perilous search, it is important to recognize the bravery and resilience of those who survive such challenges. The history of maritime survival is filled with stories of individuals who defied the odds. One such story is that of Steven Callahan, who survived for 76 days alone on an inflatable raft in the Atlantic Ocean in 1981. He used his wits and survival skills to catch fish, purify water, and ultimately make it to safety.

In 2012, Jose Salvador Alvarenga survived drifting for over a year at sea after a storm struck his fishing boat. He lived off fish, birds, and rainwater, traveling more than 6,000 miles before being rescued in the Marshall Islands. His incredible endurance is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Another remarkable story is that of Tammy Oldham Ashcraft, who survived a hurricane at sea in 1983 and managed to navigate through dangerous waters for 41 days before being rescued near Hawaii.

In more recent times, in 2015, two young fishermen, Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen, were lost at sea after their boat capsized off the coast of Florida. Despite a massive search operation, only the capsized boat was found, highlighting how quickly conditions at sea can change, even during what is intended to be a routine fishing trip.

The survival stories go on, from Andrew McAulay, who set out to kayak solo from Australia to New Zealand but disappeared after being hit by violent waves in 2007, to Richard Van Flee, who survived alone for over three months in the Pacific Ocean in 2002. These tales are not just about survival; they show the determination and resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

In addition to these incredible survival stories, it’s important to understand the role of organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard. Since its founding in 1790, the Coast Guard has been dedicated to protecting lives at sea. The service has evolved over the years, merging with other maritime agencies to become a crucial part of the U.S. government’s efforts to ensure safety at sea, enforce maritime laws, and protect the environment.

Today, the Coast Guard is not only tasked with search and rescue operations but also plays an integral role in safeguarding the nation’s waters from illegal activities such as drug trafficking. In 2004, the Coast Guard intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 30,000 pounds of cocaine, demonstrating their effectiveness in tackling criminal activity at sea.

Moreover, the Coast Guard is a leader in diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds into their ranks. In times of crisis, such as during World War II when women were enlisted in the Coast Guard’s SPARS unit, they demonstrated the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of challenges.

With their state-of-the-art vessels, helicopters, and aircraft, the Coast Guard is well-equipped to handle any mission, from search and rescue to environmental monitoring. Their training programs, including the prestigious U.S. Coast Guard Academy, ensure that officers are well-prepared to handle the many responsibilities that come with this challenging and rewarding career.

The relentless work of the Coast Guard in searching for Captain Jeff and his crew reflects their dedication to their mission and the close-knit maritime community that drives them to go above and beyond.

The disappearance of the Destination is a reminder of the risks faced by those who work at sea, but also of the incredible efforts made by the Coast Guard and others to keep people safe. Did they do everything they could to save Captain Jeff and his crew? Or is there more to the story that we still don’t know? The answers remain uncertain, but one thing is clear—the resilience and determination of all those involved in this tragic event, from the Coast Guard to the families of the missing, will never be forgotten.