Beautiful “Deadliest Catch” Wives and Girlfriends
Beautiful “Deadliest Catch” Wives and Girlfriends
The Wives and Girlfriends Behind the Men of Deadliest Catch
It’s hard not to get swept up in the emotional highs and devastating lows that define Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. The show doesn’t just chronicle the unforgiving Bering Sea and the dangerous job of commercial crab fishing—it also highlights the personal stories of the men who risk their lives at sea. While their battles on deck are compelling, fans are increasingly curious about their lives behind the scenes. What do their families look like? Who supports them when they’re not on camera?
Here’s a closer look at the wives, girlfriends, and personal lives of the captains and crew members who have made Deadliest Catch a hit for nearly two decades.
Captain Sig Hansen – A Legacy at Sea and at Home
As the captain of the F/V Northwestern, Sig Hansen is one of the most recognizable figures on the show. Beyond the helm, Sig’s life is deeply rooted in family. He’s been married to his wife, June, since the late 1990s. Though she rarely appears on Deadliest Catch, June has been a pillar of support for Sig throughout his career—especially during turbulent times.
In 2018, June was diagnosed with throat cancer and informed Sig while he was filming Season 15. Fortunately, the cancer was caught early and treated successfully. The couple also endured Sig’s own health scares, including two heart attacks between 2016 and 2018. Through it all, June remained by his side.
Sig adopted June’s two daughters, Nina and Mandy. Mandy has followed in her father’s footsteps, even stepping in as relief captain aboard the Northwestern.
Captain Jake Anderson – From Tragedy to Triumph
Jake Anderson’s rise from deckhand to captain of the F/V Saga is a fan-favorite story of resilience. He’s faced personal tragedies, including the deaths of his sister and father. But amid the sorrow, Jake found love and stability in his wife, Jenna.
The couple met during a festival in Seattle in the early 2010s, when Jenna’s family approached Jake for autographs. Their chance meeting led to a long-distance romance, culminating in their 2012 wedding—held at the same festival and officiated by Jake’s mentor, Captain Sig Hansen.
In a 2023 Instagram post, Jake described their wedding day as the best of his life. Jake and Jenna now share three children, and though his job keeps him at sea, they’ve worked hard to build a strong family life.
Captain Jonathan Hillstrand – Love After Retirement
Captain Jonathan Hillstrand of the F/V Time Bandit has experienced many shifts in recent years—from retiring with his brother Andy and listing their boat for sale, to returning to fishing life once again.
A bright spot in his journey has been his marriage to Heather, whom he met at church. The couple tied the knot in 2017, and Jonathan shared a heartfelt video from their wedding, capturing the joy of the occasion. Heather has three adult daughters and shares Jonathan’s love for the sea. Their social media posts often show the couple traveling together and celebrating milestones, revealing a happy and adventurous life beyond the Bering Sea.
Captain Andy Hillstrand – A Rancher at Heart
Andy Hillstrand may be known for his leadership on the Time Bandit, but when he’s not at sea, he’s enjoying life on land with his wife of over 30 years, Sabrina. Together, they run Hobby Horse Acres, a ranch in Indiana that offers horseback riding and outdoor adventures.
While Andy captains his vessel, Sabrina manages their business and is listed as a manager for Time Bandit Productions. Though little is publicly known about her, it’s clear that Sabrina has played an instrumental role in building both a family and a business with Andy. They share two daughters and have turned their dream of a shared life both on and off the sea into reality.
Captain “Wild” Bill Wichrowski – Quietly in Love
Captain Bill Wichrowski of the F/V Summer Bay may be a fan favorite on screen, but he’s done a good job of keeping his personal life private. Early in the show’s run, he was seen with his wife Karen Gillis at public events, but the pair eventually separated.
In 2018, Bill introduced his new girlfriend, Melissa Marie Taylor, a Florida-based real estate agent. The couple appeared often on social media enjoying vacations and adventures together before breaking up in 2021. That same year, Wild Bill introduced Shanta Scott as his new partner. While little is known about Shanta, they appear to still be together, often vacationing and enjoying the summer months.
Captain Keith Colburn – Guarded But Grateful
Keith Colburn, the stoic captain of the F/V Wizard, has largely kept his romantic life under wraps. In 2012, he introduced his then-wife Florence on Facebook, referring to her as his business partner. They made occasional public appearances but separated sometime before 2016, as Keith revealed in a radio interview.
Despite the separation, Keith spoke respectfully of Florence, calling her “wonderful.” In 2020, Keith shared a photo on Instagram of a woman named Hillary, spending Easter with her in Idaho. It’s unclear whether the pair are still together, as Keith has continued to maintain a low profile when it comes to his relationships.
Life Beyond the Storm
While each captain’s personal life is as different as the tides they battle, there’s one thing they all share: the emotional toll of life at sea. From health scares and injuries to marriages, births, and heartbreaking losses, Deadliest Catch fans have seen these fishermen navigate more than just waves.
Through the chaos of crab fishing and the calm of family life, these men have shown us what it means to endure—and to love—under the most extreme conditions.
