The “Deadliest Catch’ crew members are pretty tough. That’s a given. Anyone who ventures out on the Bering Sea for days at a time, risking their safety in order to bring in a large haul, has got to have some thick skin. And that’s not just because of the harsh weather conditions or the grueling hours. You can’t be afraid to get into a few squabbles with other crewmates from time to time. It’s all a part of the gig. The other part is cashing in. One member of the F/V Wizard saw his moment and dove in headfirst – literally.
During an excursion for king crab, Captain Keith Holburn’s crew noticed something a bit unusual in the water. According to the Huffington Post, floating several feet away was a giant, dead walrus. Most of us would have muffled some kind of “that’s too bad” mantra and carried on.
However, crew member Freddy knew the ivory from the walrus’ tusks was worth a load of cash. Instead of carefully planning how to retrieve the animal, the spontaneous man jumped right into the water. The plunge had to feel like thousands of needles were pricking at his skin. At just 35 degrees, it would take less than 60 seconds for hypothermia to set in.
Needless to say, Captain Keith was livid.
“No, no, no, no, no! Somebody go get a survival suit! Holy sh*t! What are you doing?” he says as Freddy launches himself from the ship.
“Freddy just disrobed and jumped in the f*cking water on me,” he added. “I don’t know what he’s f*cking thinking.”
The dangerous move had the crew shifting into rescue mode. Somehow, despite the frigid temperature, Freddy was able to hop back on board. And the crew was able to retrieve the dead walrus as well. The payout – potentially $5,000 per tusk – could have cost Freddy his life.
‘Deadliest Catch’ Crew Find Strange Object in Water
However, this isn’t the only time “Deadliest Catch” members have risked their lives for something in the water. In an episode that aired last month, the guys found something rather large and strange floating around their ship.
By its appearance, it looks otherworldly.
Could it be the crew happened upon an elusive UFO aircraft? The black object is round and sleek-looking. It’s not far from the ship. Which is when one extremely brave (or less than intelligent, you decide) crew member lunges into the water to retrieve it.
In another instance, the Hillstrand brothers go searching for the Loch Ness monster.
“If we’re not crab fishing, you can bet we’re doing something ridiculous,” Jonathan Hillstrand says in a trailer for the Discovery show. “This time, we’re going to catch a sea monster.”
Whatever the “Deadliest Catch” ships set out for, you can count on one thing, the show is never a dull experience.
