CAPTAINS & CREW
Each year, hundreds of fishermen arrive at Dutch Harbor for the beginning of the Alaskan red king crab season. They work 24-hour shifts for days at a time in brutal conditions: 12m waves, 130kmph winds, sub-zero temperatures, and 360kg crab pots slamming against the deck.
Well placed pots may collect millions of dollars-worth of king crabs while unlucky hauls make only enough to cover the boat's operating expenses. Almost everyone has been or will be injured.
Meet the crews braving this season's challenges:
NORTHWESTERN
Aboard the Northwestern, Sig Hansen revels in the strategies and competition of crab-fishing. He has been a captain for 18 years, and is the eldest of the three brothers who own the fishing vessel. A fourth-generation Norwegian fisherman, Sig is extremely superstitious.
Edgar, the Deck Boss, is the youngest brother and is always ready with an opinion – even if no one wants it. Norman is the more reserved middle brother and works as a deckhand.
CORNELIA MARIE
This season marks Captain Phil Harris's 16th year with the Cornelia Marie, and his 30th year as a crab fisherman. Despite some major mechanical difficulties, Phil made the Cornelia Marie one of the top-performing boats last season.
Phil will be joined this season by his two sons. Jake turned 21 at sea during crab season and now returns for a third year. This time he'll be working as a deckhand, earning a full share of the profits.
Taking Jake's place as the greenhorn is his older brother Josh (23). This is Josh's first season crab fishing in the Bering Sea, and Jake is keen to show him the ropes.
