Wizard Crewmate Dislocates His Titanium Knee After Slipping On Deck l Deadliest Catch

Captain Keith Colburn Faces Tough Seas and Crew Challenges on the Wizard

Out in the vast Bering Sea, where unpredictable weather and treacherous waves can turn a normal day into a nightmare, Captain Keith Colburn of the Wizard is no stranger to the harsh realities of crabbing. This season, however, a combination of ferocious swells and a serious crew injury threatened to derail their efforts. Despite these setbacks, Colburn’s experience and leadership were put to the test, with his crew facing both physical and emotional challenges on a rough day at sea.

Navigating the Storm: A Sudden Surge in Swell

It started with a warning: the weather was about to turn. What began as manageable 16-foot swells quickly escalated into a dangerous 20-25 foot swell, causing the Wizard to pitch and roll violently. “It’s getting a little nautical out here, man,” Colburn commented as the waves hit harder than expected. The sudden tide change, which occurred just a couple of hours into the day, caught the crew off guard, making every movement a challenge. The sharp, aggressive waves made it harder to retrieve gear and made it clear that they needed to find something to anchor them until the swells calmed down.

“We need to find something to plug away on here until this drops off,” Captain Colburn ordered, determined to keep his crew focused amidst the chaos. His leadership was tested as the crew fought to keep their gear intact while battling the increasingly violent conditions.

A Greenhorn Struggles with Injury

Amidst the rough seas, the crew was also dealing with a new challenge: the greenhorn, a rookie crew member, who was struggling with a serious injury. The new recruit had been having trouble keeping his footing, and the severity of his condition became apparent when he collided with the bait station. “What’s going on?” Colburn asked as the greenhorn hobbled across the deck, unable to put weight on his leg.

It quickly became clear that the rookie had suffered a knee injury. In a conversation with the crew, it was revealed that the greenhorn had a titanium knee replacement, something he had failed to disclose prior to taking the job. “Has this happened before?” Colburn asked, his voice a mix of concern and frustration. The greenhorn admitted that he had experienced a similar injury when he was younger, which had led to a knee replacement.

“I had to get a knee replacement when I was 14,” the greenhorn confessed, adding that he hadn’t alerted Colburn about his previous injury before joining the crew. Colburn, visibly upset, realized that the injury was serious and could potentially compromise the safety of the entire crew. “I feel like you’ve been dishonest to me and the rest of this crew, and to yourself,” Colburn said, frustrated with the rookie’s lack of transparency.

The Hard Choice: To Keep Going or Turn Back?

With one crew member unable to work and the seas growing fiercer, Colburn faced a tough decision. Should he continue the grueling work, or turn back to the nearest island? The situation was dire—if they turned back, the crew would face harsh conditions and possibly risk freezing before they could reach shelter.

“I’m under an obligation to make sure that my crew is safe and okay,” Colburn said. But the real question remained: could they continue fishing, or did they need to head back to town? The answer was not simple. Colburn’s frustration mounted as he considered the ripple effect of this injury on his team. “Do I have to turn this boat around and go back to town?” he asked, understanding that it could be a huge setback to the operation.

The decision was complicated by the fact that there were seven crew members on board, all of whom had been working long, demanding shifts. Colburn knew that if they turned back now, it would cost them precious time and money. However, his responsibility was clear—ensuring the health and safety of his crew was paramount.

The Aftermath: A Hard Reality Check

After some tense discussions, Colburn made the decision to get the greenhorn to his bunk for medical care. “Let’s get him to his bunk, let’s go ahead and get his boots off for him,” Colburn ordered, realizing that the situation had gone beyond what could be handled on deck. “Kid has got me pissed off. This is not something that’s going to happen once, this is an ongoing thing.”

The reality of the situation hit hard: a greenhorn who had been dishonest about his medical history and was now unable to work left the Wizard short-handed, and the weather was only worsening. “This is like some kind of nightmare you hope you wake up from,” Colburn admitted. With the crew now down one man, the day’s work was further delayed, and the crew’s frustration continued to mount as they dealt with both the physical challenge of the seas and the emotional toll of the injury.

Moving Forward: A Test of Leadership

Captain Keith Colburn’s leadership was truly tested that day. Not only did he have to manage his crew’s safety in increasingly perilous conditions, but he also had to make difficult decisions about how to proceed with a crew member who had failed to disclose a major health issue. With the greenhorn unable to continue working, Colburn had to navigate the complicated dynamics of running a crabbing operation with one less person on board.

As the Wizard continued to battle the elements, Captain Colburn knew that the rest of the crew would need to step up to get the job done. Despite the setbacks, he remained focused on getting back on track and pushing through the rough waters. “We’ll make it work,” he said, maintaining his resolve. In the world of crab fishing, there is no room for complacency, and Colburn knew that this was just one more obstacle in a season filled with uncertainty and challenges.

The seas may have been against them, but Captain Colburn’s leadership, determination, and ability to make tough calls ensured that the Wizard would continue its journey, no matter the odds.