The 5 Wildest ‘Deadliest Catch’ Moments, Ranked
The 5 Wildest ‘Deadliest Catch’ Moments, Ranked
Since its premiere in 2005, Deadliest Catch has thrilled audiences by pulling back the curtain on the perilous world of Alaskan crab fishing. The icy waters, unpredictable weather, and extreme physical demands show how the Bering Sea can be one of the most dangerous workplaces in the world. The grueling nature of the show, therefore, has produced some of the wildest moments ever caught on camera over the years. Episodes featuring deadly waves, boat fires, and catastrophic sinkings like that of one of the F/V Destination serve as grim reminders of what working at the sea can be like!
According to the Juneau Empire, commercial fishing is one of the deadliest professions, with fatality rates 23 times higher than others. Another report from the Pew Charitable Trusts states that over 100,000 fishing-related deaths occur globally each year. The storm surges, mechanical failures of the vessel, and human error create a deadly combination for even the most experienced crews. That’s why every season of the Deadliest Catch brings moments of nail-biting tension and heart-wrenching tragedies. Here, we will rank the ten wildest moments that left fans gasping for breath.
5. 
Sig Hansen’s Heart Attack During Filming
Sig Hansen, one of the most iconic captains on Deadliest Catch, shocked viewers and crew alike when he suffered a heart attack during filming in Season 12. The incident occurred while Hansen navigated the treacherous Bering Sea aboard his vessel, the Northwestern. The high-stress nature of crab fishing had apparently affected his health over the years. The intense pressure from running the boat and managing a massive crew made for a perfect storm. Initially, Hansen only felt chest pain and brushed off the symptoms to continue filming. However, it quickly became apparent that something was seriously wrong when his condition worsened.
As time passed, the crew started worrying about their captain’s health and called for medical help. Despite his situation, Hansen’s legendary toughness was on full display. Even after severe discomfort, he insisted on staying on the boat. Following emergency medical intervention, he was airlifted to a hospital for further treatment. He returned to the Northwestern when he recovered, determined to keep fishing. In a Today Show episode, Sig Hansen revealed that he was “lucky,” telling fans that his heart attack was a wake-up call for him and the crew. This instance serves as a stark reminder of how physically demanding the duties of a captain genuinely are.
4 Rogue Waves Nearly Capsized the Wizard
Season 14, Episode 14
The Wizard faced one of its most terrifying challenges when a rare astronomical event, a super snow moon, unleashed massive rogue waves in the Bering Sea. The super snow moon is a phenomenon that happens when a full moon aligns with the orbital perigee, creating exceptionally strong tides and currents. Combined with 50-knot winds, these powerful currents resulted in monstrous waves, some towering over 50 feet tall, crashing down on the fleet. These waves proved to be especially dangerous for the Wizard.
As reported by Yahoo, one wave, reaching 35 feet, blindsided deckhand Pascual O.J Ganuelas, slamming him into a steel pot and injuring his leg. As the crew struggled to stabilize the vessel, another rogue wave — a 35-footer —- tore a 400-pound coiler loose from its bolts. The heavy equipment crushed the deckhand Todd Gateman’s leg underneath. Horrified by the incident, Captain Monte Colburn later remarked, “I can’t believe that kid was under that coiler. My god. Terrifying.” While Ganuelas returned to work after recovering, Gateman’s injuries were far more severe. The severity of Gateman’s injury left Colburn doubting his ability to return to the deck.
3. The 40-foot Waves Nearly Sent The Whole Crew Overboard
Season 11, Episode 12
F/V Saga, a vessel shown on ‘Deadliest Catch’Image via Discovery Channel
In one of the most harrowing moments on Deadliest Catch, the F/V Saga found itself caught in a terrifying storm that pushed its crew to the brink of disaster. Captain Jake Anderson, who took command of the Saga in Season 11, faced a severe test during his first season as a captain. The Saga was pummeled by 40-foot waves, creating a life-threatening situation for the entire crew. As giant swells crashed over the deck, it looked like the boat — and the men on it — were about to be swallowed by the sea.
In one particularly tense scene, two massive waves slammed into the vessel. These waves completely submerged the deck. Crew members were seen swimming through the water that engulfed the boat, desperately trying to hand on and avoid being washed overboard. Deckhand Nick Sunshine Tokman expressed fear and frustration. However, Captain Ray Flerchinger said he didn’t anticipate the waves becoming as dangerous as they did. The F/V Saga crew’s survival that day was nothing short of a miracle. Despite the brutal onslaught, no one was thrown overboard, but the Saga came frighteningly close to losing its entire on-deck crew.
2 Spencer Moore’s Near-Death Experience on F/V Summer Bay
Season 14, Episode 16
l In 2017, Deadliest Catch deckhand Spencer Moore nearly faced death in a harrowing overboard incident aboard F/V Summer Bay. While working under the command of Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski, Moore was tasked with securing a crab pot for the block. That’s when an unexpected rush of water hit, throwing him over the boat’s railing. The freezing waters of the Bering Sea, at just 34 degrees, posed an immediate threat to Moore’s survival. Thankfully, the deckhand was saved.
As Moore went overboard, his quick thinking saved his life. He managed to grab hold of a buoy which kept him afloat in the icy waters long enough for Wichrowski and the crew to notice him. They acted quickly and threw a life ring. The crewmembers were able to pull him back onto the ship immediately. The near-miss visibly shook Captain Bill Wichrowski. In an interview with PopCulture, he later admitted that this incident had scared him in a way he hadn’t experienced in decades. “I hadn’t been afraid, probably, in 25 years,” Wichrowski told POPCULTURE, emphasizing how terrifying it was to watch one of his crew members fall into the water.
1 Freddie’s Walrus Adventure
Season 9 of Deadliest Catch delivered one of the strangest and wildest moments in the show’s history when deckhand Freddie Maugatai faced off with a walrus carcass. While fishing in the Bering Sea, Captain Keith Colburn of F/V Wizard spotted the floating carcass, recognizing an opportunity for profit — the tusks alone could be worth up to $10,000. Maugatai, known for his daring personality, decided to take an unorthodox approach to the situation. Instead of using the winch to haul the walrus aboard, Maugatai took matters into his own hands — literally. He stripped down, jumped into the freezing water, and clung to the enormous carcass.
