INSANE Crab Hauls, Raging Waters & More Johnathan Hillstrand Moments! | Deadliest Catch

Two weeks into the fall season, Captain Jonathan Hillstrand and Brother Andy approached the end of their 40-pot load, eager to claim a piece of the $90 million golden king crab fishery.

“Hey baby, don’t take it personal when I say stuff like that, but I already contacted HR,” Jonathan said, as they wrapped up preparations. Meanwhile, greenhorn and former Dutch Harbor bartender McKenzie was struggling with the reality of life at sea. “I had to change a tampon this morning on a moving boat, so that was fun,” she confided, battling seasickness and cramps.

“Where’s Kenzie?” Captain Andy asked, noticing her absence on deck. “She needs to get her sea legs. I saw her chopping bait, then she disappeared.” The crew finally found her resting, clearly not feeling well.

“Remember, you can throw up and work at the same time,” Andy reminded her. “Drink some fluids, though. We didn’t see you out there.” McKenzie tried her best, but her struggles continued.

“Captain, she’s laying on the floor in a fetal position,” reported another crew member. The team debated her endurance as McKenzie fought nausea, cramps, and seasickness. “How long do women have periods?” Andy asked, bewildered by her symptoms.

After days of effort, McKenzie admitted, “I know I can do this. I’ve got the determination.” Still, Andy was unconvinced, concerned that her struggles would delay the crew’s plans and cost them money.

Tensions on the boat rose as rumors circulated that McKenzie might be using substances. “Kenzie might be smoking fentanyl in the bathroom,” reported a crew member. Captain Jonathan decided to confront her, arranging to have her dropped off at the nearest port.

Now, McKenzie was left to find a new boat to continue her journey. She approached Jonathan Hillstrand on the Time Bandit, hopeful that her reputation wouldn’t precede her.

As the crew battled harsh seas and navigational issues, they found themselves leaning on each other to make it through. “Just like the wise men followed the star,” joked Jonathan, guiding the ship manually.

Later, the crew held a solemn moment, scattering the ashes of former crew member Mike McCullum, whom they honored for his years on the Time Bandit. His son, Jesse, struggled with the memory of his father and the pressure of proving himself to the team.

Amid challenges and losses, the crew of the Time Bandit continued pushing forward, each with their own reason for staying the course, hoping to end the season on a high note.