The Northwestern’s Steering STOPS WORKING In The Middle Of The Night | Deadliest Catch

Navigating Challenges: Aboard the Northwestern

The Northwestern’s crew, led by Captain Sig Hansen, faces a new set of challenges as they continue their pursuit of Bairdi crab. The season starts with competition brewing. “We’re starting over,” Sig explains. “The cod fishery just wrapped up, and now everyone is out here at the same time.” With so many boats converging on the same grounds, tensions rise, creating an atmosphere of intense rivalry.

Steering Malfunctions Amid Crowded Waters

Positioned in the mid-60 fathom range, a historically productive area, the Northwestern’s crew is optimistic about their chances. However, their focus quickly shifts as a sudden steering malfunction disrupts operations.

“Dad, come here! The steering’s off,” Mandy calls out urgently. The auto-pilot system refuses to engage, leaving the boat vulnerable to collisions. Sig immediately takes manual control to steer clear of nearby vessels. “Holy cow, that was close,” he mutters, visibly shaken by the near-miss. The malfunction—compounded by a failing radar and an unreliable GPS—forces the crew to rely on a decades-old magnetic compass.

“It’s not getting information from somewhere,” Sig observes, troubleshooting the problem. Despite the setback, he refuses to retreat to port for repairs. “We haven’t swung that compass in probably 25 years,” he admits. Determined to keep fishing, he recalibrates the compass to chart a safe course through the crowded grounds.

Adapting to Old-School Navigation

As the crew adjusts to navigating without modern tools, they focus on setting gear in the southern grounds. The process is slow and meticulous, but the team’s efforts begin to pay off. After 14 hours, the first pots are hauled aboard.

The results are promising: 25 crabs with 13 keepers. Sig’s relief is palpable. “There’s volume, and that means there’s crab around,” he remarks, his optimism cautiously returning. Subsequent pots yield similar results, bolstering the crew’s confidence. Mandy suggests moving farther north to explore potentially richer grounds. “We’re barely getting by as it is,” Sig acknowledges, noting the challenges of navigating without a functioning GPS. Despite this, they push forward, setting gear along a promising ridge.

Betting on Better Grounds

As the Northwestern moves north, the pots begin yielding even better results. The crew’s decision to relocate is validated as they pull up a pot containing 23 crabs after 24 hours. “I’ll take it,” Sig says with a mix of relief and satisfaction. Mandy’s instincts prove invaluable, and the crew’s morale improves. “We kind of put all our eggs in one basket here,” Mandy reflects, fully aware of the risks involved in their strategy.

Encouraged by the improved haul, the crew decides to focus their efforts on the northern grounds. “As we moved north, the crab looked better,” Sig explains. With each pot, their optimism grows. Yet, the absence of modern navigation tools remains a significant obstacle. “If I had a GPS and an autopilot that worked off a GPS, I’d be able to set straighter lines,” Sig laments. Despite this, the team presses on, determined to make the most of their efforts.

Resilience Amidst Adversity

The Northwestern’s crew exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Steering malfunctions, outdated navigation tools, and intense competition test their resolve, but they remain focused on their goal. The challenges underscore the unpredictability of life at sea, where success often hinges on quick thinking and teamwork.

“We’re out here to fish,” Sig declares, summarizing the crew’s relentless drive. With promising signs of life in their gear, the Northwestern’s gamble may yet yield a profitable haul. As they navigate the perilous waters of the Bering Sea, the crew’s determination and resourcefulness serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft.