Braving the Bering Sea: The Wizard’s Journey Through Loss and Challenge
At 320 miles southeast, the crew of the Wizard prepares for yet another season of crab fishing. The last to set sail, the crew is eager yet wary, knowing the dangers that lie ahead in the unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea.
With his brother Monte at home caring for their ailing father, Captain Keith Colburn returns to the helm. Before setting off, a moment of camaraderie takes place as Keith welcomes his nephew Gregory to the crew, handing him a Wizard cap and making him part of the family tradition.
Despite the high spirits on deck, Keith has a foreboding sense about the upcoming winter. “I think this is going to be the worst one we’ve seen in years,” he predicts. Though not the first boat to reach the fishing grounds, the Wizard must press on to make the most of the season.
As the crew readies the vessel, tension mounts. The 108 crab pots must be placed strategically, with 80 positioned aft and forward, ensuring a balanced load. Monte checks in from shore, reassuring Keith that their father is doing better, a brief moment of relief before the long voyage ahead.
The First Crisis: A Leak at Sea
Just as the first crab pot is about to be hauled, trouble arises—seawater floods the ship’s galley. A search reveals a significant crack in the ship’s 74-year-old steel hull. Exposed to the relentless pounding of the Bering Sea, the gap is enough to let daylight through.
Tyler, one of the deckhands, works quickly, applying waterproof resin and securing a wooden patch in place. For now, it’s a temporary fix, but the crew knows this problem is far from over. “Sometimes you think you have everything under control,” Keith remarks grimly, “then you realize you don’t.”
Heartbreaking News from Home
Then, the call comes. Monte, on the other end of the radio, delivers the devastating news—Captain Keith’s father has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Silence falls over the deck as Keith processes the loss. “I knew it was coming,” he says softly, fighting back emotions. “That’s why I stayed home as long as I could. Monte was there for him, and we both got to say goodbye.”
With the leak still a pressing issue, the crew continues their work. Keith, despite his grief, contacts Monte once more, offering words of comfort. “Go home to Placerville, Monte. Don’t worry about the boat or the crabs. Take care of yourself.”
A Race Against Time: Repairs Before the Storm
The Wizard now faces a crucial decision. The temporary fix on the hull won’t hold against the brutal conditions of the Bering Sea. A small crack could turn into a gaping hole. Keith decides to reroute the vessel to Saint Paul Island, 40 miles away, for emergency repairs.
The lost time is a major setback—three days without fishing. But safety comes first. “We need to push forward, work harder, and fish for my old man,” Keith says. “I wish I could give Monte a hug right now.”
As the Wizard steams toward Saint Paul, Keith reflects on their journey. Through loss, hardship, and the relentless sea, they remain exactly where they need to be. The fight is far from over, but one thing is certain—the crew of the Wizard will push on, honoring both the sea and those they have lost.
