Wizard Crew Fights Off Illegal Poaching Vessel During Deadliest Catch
Wizard Crew Fights Off Illegal Poaching Vessel During Deadliest Catch
Wizard Crew Fights Off Illegal Poaching Vessel During Deadliest Catch
February 2025 – Bering Sea, Alaska
In one of the most intense and harrowing confrontations of the season, Captain Keith Curn and the crew of the Wizard successfully fended off an illegal poaching vessel that had been shadowing them on their crab-fishing grounds. The dramatic clash unfolded in the early morning hours, just as the crew had been hauling pots in the rough, icy waters of the Bering Sea. What started as a routine fishing expedition turned into a tense battle for territorial rights in one of the most dangerous and contested waters in the world.
The encounter began when the Wizard crew noticed an unfamiliar vessel on their radar, a suspicious boat that was not broadcasting its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal. The AIS system is used by commercial ships to communicate their position and identity, and when a boat intentionally disables it, it’s a clear indicator of potential illegal activity. Captain Keith, who has spent over two decades fishing in these treacherous waters, immediately suspected that this could be a poaching vessel, looking to illegally harvest crabs from the same lucrative grounds the Wizard crew was targeting.
Realizing the danger, Captain Keith and deckhand Rick quickly assessed the situation. The poaching vessel was slowly closing in on their position, appearing to track their movements. With tensions rising, the Wizard crew decided to take evasive action. Captain Keith ordered his crew to alter course, steering the Wizard off its usual path to confuse the pursuing vessel. To further disguise their location, the crew turned off their own AIS and dimmed their lights, hoping to throw off the poachers and force them to abandon their pursuit.
But the suspected poacher was persistent. As the minutes dragged on, the crew could see the intruder gaining ground. They quickly realized that this wasn’t just a random fishing boat — it was a deliberate attempt to poach from their crab pots. The poacher was likely trying to harvest crab illegally, undetected by the proper authorities.
At this point, the situation became even more critical. Captain Keith knew that time was running out, and any further delay could jeopardize their entire season’s haul. The crew had to act decisively and quickly, or they risked losing both their catch and their livelihood.
With no more time to waste, Captain Keith ordered the crew to prepare for a faceoff. The Wizard slowed down and drifted in silence, positioning themselves in the path of the poacher. The crew, accustomed to moments of intense danger and drama, waited anxiously, knowing that the next few moments would determine their next course of action.
The poaching vessel continued to close in, seemingly unaware of the Wizard’s calculated move. With the boat now just six miles away, Captain Keith made a sudden and bold decision. He ordered the lights on the Wizard to be flicked back on, creating a blinding flash in the dark waters of the Bering Sea. The sudden burst of light caught the poachers off guard, and they were immediately forced to change course.
Within seconds, the poaching vessel veered sharply away, realizing that the Wizard crew had been prepared for their every move. The intruder quickly fled the area, retreating into the darkness, likely realizing they were up against a crew determined not to back down. The Wizard crew had successfully defended their territory, and the poacher was forced to abandon their illegal operation for the time being.
In an exclusive interview after the incident, Captain Keith shared his thoughts on the confrontation: “We’re out here risking our lives every day in this cold, dangerous sea. The last thing we need is someone coming in and stealing from us. Our job isn’t just about catching crabs — it’s about protecting our rights and ensuring that we can keep working out here. We weren’t going to let anyone take what’s ours.”
Captain Keith’s no-nonsense approach to defending his crew and their livelihood comes as no surprise. As the captain of the Wizard, one of the most respected vessels in the fleet, Keith has been through countless dangerous situations. From navigating the icy waters of the Bering Sea to dealing with unexpected mechanical failures, fires on board, and extreme weather conditions, Keith has earned a reputation as one of the toughest and most skilled captains in the fleet.
The Wizard has become a symbol of resilience in the cutthroat world of commercial crab fishing. Under Keith’s leadership, the boat consistently ranks among the top for both opilio and king crab catches, despite the risks involved. Keith’s crew, including seasoned deck boss Gary Soer and first mate Monty, have learned to adapt to the perilous conditions, working together to ensure that their fishing operations stay secure and productive.
But this encounter with the poaching vessel is far from an isolated incident. The problem of illegal poaching in the Bering Sea has been growing, as desperate individuals or vessels attempt to exploit the lucrative crab fisheries without following the stringent regulations that protect the ecosystem. Illegal poaching threatens not only the livelihoods of hardworking fishermen like Keith and his crew but also the sustainability of the crab population itself.
The Wizard crew’s swift and decisive action is a testament to their determination to protect their rights and their craft, even when facing the threat of illegal poachers. By staying vigilant, resourceful, and resolute, the crew was able to turn the tables on the poaching vessel and prevent them from making off with any of the precious catch.
As the season progresses, Captain Keith and his crew continue to face numerous challenges. The weather remains unpredictable, and the ice has been especially heavy this year, adding additional risks to an already dangerous profession. But despite these obstacles, the Wizard remains a force to be reckoned with in the Bering Sea, determined to outlast any threat, whether it be from the elements, mechanical failures, or illegal poachers.
“The Bering Sea doesn’t care about your plans,” Keith remarked, as the crew continued their work after the encounter. “All we can do is stay focused, work together, and make sure we get the job done. And that includes protecting what’s ours — no matter who tries to take it.”
With their latest victory over the poaching vessel, the Wizard crew proves once again that they are a force to be reckoned with — both on the water and in the face of any danger that may come their way.
