What happened to Andy Hillstrand in “Deadliest Catch”?
What happened to Andy Hillstrand in “Deadliest Catch”?
What Really Happened to Andy Hillstrand and the Time Bandit? Inside the Rise, Fall, and Return of a Deadliest Catch Legend
It’s no small feat for a TV series to hold an audience for over a decade, yet Deadliest Catch has done just that. Since its 2005 debut, the Discovery Channel series has gripped viewers with its raw portrayal of the life-threatening world of Alaskan crab fishing. While unpredictable seas and high-stakes rescues are part of the thrill, it’s the unforgettable cast and their personal stories that make the show truly resonate.
One name that fans have deeply missed in recent seasons is Andy Hillstrand, co-captain of the iconic fishing vessel Time Bandit. Alongside his brother Jonathan Hillstrand, Andy became a fan favorite for his hard-earned wisdom, grit, and no-nonsense approach to life on the Bering Sea. But in recent years, Andy has all but disappeared from the show, leaving viewers wondering: What really happened to him, and will he ever return?
The Hillstrands: Legends of the Bering Sea
Andy and Jonathan Hillstrand captained the Time Bandit for years, gaining widespread respect both on the show and in the fishing industry. But by Season 13 (2017), the Hillstrand brothers announced their departure, citing the Time Bandit’s deteriorating condition as a key factor.
A catastrophic engine explosion in 2018 forced the brothers to pull the vessel from the water. For the first time in 38 years, Jonathan wrote, he would miss a King Crab season—a hard blow for a man who had spent half his life at sea. Although the Time Bandit was later repaired and briefly loaned to another captain, it didn’t return for Season 14, and in 2019, it was listed for sale at $2.88 million.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Time Bandit returned to the show in Season 17 (2021)—but without Andy on deck.
Andy’s Absence and Jonathan’s Return
Though fans hoped for a full reunion of the Hillstrand brothers, Andy was absent from the show’s 17th season. It was later revealed that he had contracted COVID-19 during filming and couldn’t join the crew. To fill the void, Josh Harris, captain of the Cornelia Marie and longtime family friend, temporarily stepped in as Jonathan’s co-captain on the Time Bandit.
Josh’s presence may have surprised casual viewers, but his history with the Hillstrands goes back to 2011, when he worked under Jonathan after the death of his father, Captain Phil Harris. As Josh once described, Jonathan became a “second father” to him. So, stepping in during Andy’s illness wasn’t just practical—it was personal.
Where Is Andy Hillstrand Now?
Although Andy has kept a low profile in recent years, fans were relieved to see him make a public appearance at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum in 2022, where he spoke about climate change. While it remains uncertain whether he will return to Deadliest Catch, it’s good to know he is healthy and active outside of television.
Andy has also shifted focus to life on land. He and his wife Sabrina run Hobby Horse Acres, a recreational horse-riding ranch in Indiana. Meanwhile, his brother Jonathan has explored writing, publishing a children’s book series titled Adventures of Little Bird after a ranch injury inspired him to write during his recovery.
Legal Troubles and Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Life off the boat hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The Hillstrands have faced their share of legal issues. In 2015, former deckhand David Zielinski filed a $1.4 million lawsuit against the brothers after suffering a devastating hand injury from a misfired firework on the Time Bandit in 2013. Zielinski claimed the device exploded in his hand, leading to multiple surgeries and ending his fishing career.
Though the brothers denied wrongdoing, the lawsuit ended with Zielinski being awarded damages—a stark reminder of the risks not just from nature, but from human error as well.
There was also a legal conflict with Discovery Channel itself. In 2010, the Hillstrands and Captain Sig Hansen were sued for breach of contract after halting production of their monster-hunting special Hillstranded. Discovery claimed they failed to fulfill filming obligations, resulting in millions in losses. The matter was reportedly settled out of court, but it caused a temporary rift that nearly ended their relationship with the network.
The Time Bandit’s Uncertain Future
Despite challenges, the Time Bandit remains one of Deadliest Catch’s most beloved vessels. Designed by John Hillstrand and built in 1991, the 113-foot ship boasts creature comforts like queen-sized beds and even a sauna—a rare luxury on the Bering Sea.
Yet its future is anything but clear. Though the boat was listed for sale and removed from the market in 2020, speculation persists that the brothers retained ownership. Complicating matters is Neil Hillstrand’s 2018 divorce, which stipulated his ex-wife would receive a share of the proceeds if the boat were sold. Whether this influenced the brothers’ decision to pull the vessel from the market is anyone’s guess.
More Than Just Crab Fishermen
The Hillstrands have built a life far beyond crab fishing. Their Hillstrand Construction Company, managed by Jonathan’s son Scott, and their Hillstrand Fireworks business continue to thrive. Jonathan has also leaned into storytelling with his children’s book series, connecting with fans in a new way.
Despite the fame, the Hillstrands remain grounded in their Alaskan roots and deeply connected to the community that made them household names.
Will Andy Return to Deadliest Catch?
That remains the big question. Though Andy hasn’t made an official statement about returning, his recent public appearances and the Time Bandit’s on-and-off reemergence offer hope. Whether it’s one last run or a permanent comeback, fans would welcome him back with open arms.
Until then, the Time Bandit’s legend sails on—through stormy seas, TV drama, and the enduring loyalty of Deadliest Catch fans.
