Here’s What Has Happened To Deadliest Catch’s Northwestern Crew

Where Are They Now? Catching Up with the Northwestern Crew of Deadliest Catch

Since Deadliest Catch premiered in 2005, few vessels have earned as much respect — and viewer loyalty — as the F/V Northwestern. With Captain Sig Hansen at the helm, the ship has become a symbol of resilience, family, and unrelenting grit. But when the cameras aren’t rolling, the crew of the Northwestern have been living complex lives — filled with triumphs, tragedies, and personal evolution. Here’s where the Northwestern team is today.

Captain Sig Hansen: A Legacy Still Growing

Sig Hansen remains the beating heart of the Deadliest Catch franchise. Not only has he appeared in nearly every season, but he’s also been deeply involved in spin-offs like Deadliest Catch: Battle Scars, Unfinished Business, and The Viking Returns, which follows Sig, his daughter Mandy, and son-in-law Clark as they expand the family legacy into Norwegian waters.

In 2024, Sig was honored with the Neptune Award by the Norwegian Commercial Club — a recognition of his lifelong contribution to the fishing industry. He reflected on the honor by saying, “It’s a moment to reflect on the journey, the storms weathered, and the successes achieved.”

Still, the path hasn’t been smooth. Sig suffered two heart attacks, the second in 2019, caused by an allergic reaction to antibiotics. He also revealed that his wife June Hansen had been diagnosed with cancer that same year — thankfully caught early. Despite it all, Sig has continued fishing, stating plainly: “Bottom line: I just want to get out there and start fishing. Time is short.”

Mandy Hansen: The Next Captain in Line

Mandy Hansen is no longer just the captain’s daughter — she’s the Northwestern’s future. By 2018, she was already stepping into the wheelhouse and training as a relief captain. In a 2021 interview, Sig confirmed that Mandy was being groomed to eventually take over the vessel.

Her personal life has had highs and heartbreaking lows. In 2019, Mandy revealed she had suffered a miscarriage while at sea. “Words cannot describe the hurt and the love I still feel for you,” she wrote on Instagram. In 2021, however, Mandy shared joyful news: she and Clark had welcomed a healthy baby girl, beginning a new generation of Hansens.

Edgar Hansen: Off-Camera, But Still On Deck?

Longtime fans will remember Edgar Hansen, Sig’s younger brother, as a cornerstone of the Northwestern crew — appearing in over 160 episodes. However, his public presence ended abruptly in 2018 after it was revealed that he had entered a plea deal related to a sexual assault case involving a 16-year-old girl. Following the news, Edgar disappeared from the show and social media.

Still, fans have noticed that Edgar might not be gone entirely. While not featured in official episodes, he has appeared in crew members’ social media and may still be working on the vessel behind the scenes. Discovery may have cut ties, but the Northwestern remains a family-owned boat, and it appears Edgar is still quietly part of the operation.

Norman Hansen: A Quiet Recovery

Sig’s other brother, Norman Hansen, made headlines in 2019 after suffering a seizure aboard the Northwestern, prompting an emergency medical evacuation. While little is publicly known about his recovery, Norman has since shared occasional photos on Facebook — playing with animals and enjoying a quieter life. Despite his low profile, he’s been credited on episodes of Deadliest Catch post-incident, suggesting he’s still involved in some capacity.

Jake Anderson: From Homeless to Captain

Jake Anderson has one of the most compelling arcs in Deadliest Catch history. Once homeless, he got his start under Sig’s mentorship and climbed the ranks — all while dealing with the tragic death of his sister and the disappearance of his father. Today, Jake is the captain of the F/V Saga, a vessel he’s led since 2015.

He’s also involved behind the scenes as a consultant for several Deadliest Catch spin-offs, including The Viking Returns, and remains active on social media, sharing updates about his personal life and career.

The Northwestern Legacy Continues

Through heartbreak, health scares, and high seas, the Northwestern crew has shown that their story extends far beyond the deck. Whether it’s Sig collecting awards and charting new courses, Mandy stepping up as the next generation, or crew members like Jake and Norman finding their own paths, one thing remains clear:

The Northwestern isn’t just a fishing boat. It’s a symbol of perseverance, legacy, and the bonds that hold a crew — and a family — together.