Wizard Crew Fights Off Illegal Poaching Vessel | Deadliest Catch

Crab Wars on the Bering Sea: The Wizard Crew Battles Poachers, Fires, and Nature’s Fury

Crab fishing in the Bering Sea is not for the faint of heart. It’s a battle against monstrous waves, biting cold weather, and constant threats to both life and livelihood. The crew of the Wizard, led by Captain Keith Colburn, is one of the toughest in the industry, and their adventures, chronicled on Deadliest Catch, have captured the attention of millions. However, it’s not just the rough seas that these brave men face, but also the dangerous world of illegal poaching, mechanical failures, and even fires on board. In this article, we dive into some of the most intense challenges the Wizard crew has faced, and the resilience that keeps them fighting for survival.

The Poacher Confrontation: A Battle for Territory

In the unforgiving waters of Alaska, the crew of the Wizard found themselves in a life-or-death situation when they encountered a suspicious vessel. Captain Keith Colburn and his new deckhand, Rick, were navigating the isolated upper reaches of the Bering Sea when they noticed a mysterious boat on the horizon. Keith immediately grew suspicious when their radar failed to pick up any information on the vessel. It seemed to be tailing them, and the AIS transponder was switched off—an indication that the ship might be engaged in illegal poaching.

Realizing the potential danger, Keith and Rick quickly devised a plan to confuse the unknown vessel. They adjusted their course and speed, hoping to throw the poachers off track. After a tense few moments, the other boat disappeared from their radar. Confident they had evaded the threat, the crew of the Wizard got back to work, unaware that the danger was far from over.

Sabotage at Sea: A Staggering Setback

As the Wizard began setting pots for the season, their troubles escalated. One of their traps went missing, and the crew noticed signs of sabotage. Rick and Keith believed that the poaching vessel had intentionally interfered with their gear, trying to sabotage their fishing operations. They had never encountered illegal fishing boats this deep into American waters before. The Wizard had fought to secure these waters as their fishing grounds, and now their livelihood was being threatened.

Keith made the decision to patrol the area and defend their territory, unwilling to let the poachers get away with such blatant interference. His leadership and unwavering determination kept the crew focused on the mission at hand, despite the mounting tension on deck.

The Fire: A Near-Disaster Aboard the Wizard

As if battling poachers wasn’t enough, the crew of the Wizard also had to contend with a dangerous fire that broke out in the kitchen. When smoke started pouring from the cooking area, the crew’s quick thinking prevented a potential disaster. Roger, one of the crew members, grabbed a fire extinguisher and rushed to put out the flames. The fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in the ship’s old heater, but the crew was able to control it before it spread. While the fire was put out quickly, the experience served as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk on the high seas, especially when dealing with old equipment.

A Race Against Time: Ice and Waves Threaten the Wizard

The crew’s troubles were far from over. In one of the most intense scenes, the Wizard found itself weighed down by massive ice build-up, putting the entire vessel at risk. Captain Keith made the bold decision to venture into icy, dangerous waters near the Russian border in search of more crabs. The ship’s stability was compromised, and the crew found themselves racing against time to shed the dangerous weight of ice that was threatening to capsize the boat.

The ice, which had accumulated to a thickness of up to four feet, weighed down the ship by 50 to 80 thousand pounds. As waves crashed over the deck, the crew worked tirelessly to clear the ice and lighten the load, a dangerous and physically exhausting task. In a critical moment, Keith’s leadership and the crew’s dedication kept the situation from turning fatal.

Battling Rogue Waves: The Ultimate Test of Courage

Perhaps the most harrowing moment came when Captain Keith and his crew had to face monstrous waves that threatened to capsize the Wizard. With winds gusting at 40 knots and 25-foot waves crashing against the ship, the crew was put to the ultimate test. Keith’s calm and calculated decision-making guided them through the storm, but not without difficulty.

As the crew worked to retrieve crab pots amidst the chaos, a colossal wave struck, sending the crew scrambling to keep their balance. The brutal conditions caused serious concern, with one of the crew members, Tyler, injuring his neck. Despite the pain, Tyler refused medical attention, his loyalty to the crew shining through.

Keith made the difficult decision to abandon the operation, understanding that the safety of the crew was more important than the catch. This marked a pivotal moment for the Wizard crew, who realized that no amount of profit was worth risking their lives.

Captain Keith Colburn: A Leader in the Face of Adversity

Captain Keith Colburn’s journey in the crabbing industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. A self-made crabber, Keith started his career in 1985 with no prior experience in fishing. Initially, he had ambitions of becoming a chef, but after hearing about the potential for big money in Alaskan crab fishing, he shifted his focus. His cooking skills helped him secure a spot on the Alaska Trader, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a deckhand on the Wizard.

Keith’s ability to navigate the rough waters of the Bering Sea and the challenges of the crabbing industry made him one of the most successful captains in the fleet. His determination to provide for his family and honor his legacy as a fisherman has kept him at the helm of the Wizard for over 30 years.

Conclusion

The Wizard crew’s journey is a testament to the courage, resilience, and unwavering determination of those who brave the Bering Sea. Whether facing illegal poachers, mechanical failures, or the fury of nature, the crew of the Wizard proves time and again that no challenge is too great for them to overcome. Under the leadership of Captain Keith Colburn, they continue to push forward, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines the world of crab fishing.