Tragic Deckhand Accidents on Deadliest Catch

YouTube Thumbnail Downloader FULL HQ IMAGE

Deadliest Catch: The Real Danger Behind the Cameras – Tragedies and Accidents at Sea

Since 2005, viewers of the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch have been drawn into the high-stakes world of Alaskan crab fishing, captivated by its extreme conditions, thrilling moments, and sometimes, devastating tragedies. While deckhands can earn up to $170,000 per year during the short but intense fishing seasons, the reality is clear: that paycheck comes with a serious risk to life and limb.

Despite safety protocols, seasoned leadership, and emergency readiness, accidents are inevitable. From deadly storms to mechanical mishaps, the Bering Sea spares no one. Below, we remember some of the most serious and tragic events to occur aboard the show’s featured vessels.

High Pay, High Risk

While the average salary for anglers and hunters was just $30,000 in 2017, deckhands on Deadliest Catch can earn several times that—if they survive. Working 20+ hour days, hauling 800-pound crab pots, and enduring freezing temperatures, these men face dangers most people will never encounter. A single mistake, like a slip on a wet deck or getting caught in machinery, can end a career—or a life.

Notable Tragedies and Near-Deaths

FV Ocean Challenger (2006): A Storm with No Mercy

One of the earliest tragedies occurred when the FV Ocean Challenger capsized 90 miles off Sand Point, Alaska. Four men went overboard in 45°F (7°C) waters. Only one—Duan Kevin Ferell—survived, thanks to a survival suit. His story was later featured in the spin-off Inside the Catch.

Justin Tennison (2011): A Celebration Cut Short

Time Bandit crew member Justin Tennison was found dead in a hotel room just days after wrapping a fishing season. Initially believed to be substance-related, his autopsy revealed sleep apnea complications. He was only 33 years old.

Travis Lofland (2012): A Wake-Up Call

While docked in Dutch Harbor, Travis fell overboard—a moment captured during the Season 8 finale. Though he escaped serious injury, the scare led him to leave fishing altogether.

David “Beaver” Zylinski (2013): Fireworks Gone Wrong

Attempting to celebrate a football victory with fireworks, David suffered a devastating hand injury when they exploded prematurely. He later sued Time Bandit and was awarded $1.4 million after proving the injury ended his fishing career.

Unidentified Crew Member (Season 9): Machinery Nightmare

A deckhand’s glove was caught in a bait grinder, shredding his hand. He lost multiple fingers, underscoring the brutal danger of working with heavy equipment at sea.

FV Eagle III (2016): Lost at Sea

During Dungeon Cove, three crew members of FV Eagle III drowned when the vessel capsized in rough waters. The captain, Glenn Burkhow, swam to shore and walked over four miles to get help.

FV Destination (2017): The Weight of Pressure

Six crew members died when the overloaded vessel sank in icy waters. The tragic event became the focus of Season 13’s episode Lost at Sea, revealing poor decisions and excessive cargo weight as key factors.

Near Misses and Severe Injuries

Roger Schlosstein (2017) suffered two major injuries in one season—first to his hand, then his lower back when a crab pot hit him. Miraculously, he survived both incidents.
Loose (2017), a greenhorn on FV Saga, fell 15 feet onto his head. He suffered a concussion but recovered.
Cody Rhodes (2019) endured perhaps the show’s most gruesome injury when a 1,000 lb crab pot crushed his leg, causing a spiral fracture. He was medevaced by helicopter.
Mahlon Reyes (2020) tore his Achilles tendon, then tragically died from a heart attack followed by a cocaine overdose during the off-season.
Norman Hansen (2020)—brother of Captain Sig Hansen—suffered a seizure and head injury while docked. He recovered, but missed the season.

The Patricia Lee Tragedies

The FV Patricia Lee has seen more than its share of heartbreak:

Todd Kutin (2021) was fatally struck by a full crab pot. The chilling moment was heard—but not seen—on Season 18.
Francis Katungin (2022) broke his hip and pelvis after a rogue wave threw a 2,000 lb pot onto him. He was airlifted after 16 hours at sea.
Devon Davis (2022), a rookie, was knocked unconscious and bled from the mouth after being hit in the head.
Cameron (2022) sliced his thumb during a storm. Producer Todd Stanley stitched him up on camera.

Unseen Battles

Nick Mavar Jr. broke his nose on FV Northwestern, then suffered a ruptured appendix that later revealed cancer. He sued the ship’s owners and producers for $1 million, claiming delayed medical treatment worsened his condition.

A Dangerous Legacy

Despite strict safety measures and the constant presence of cameras, Deadliest Catch remains a reminder of just how unforgiving the sea can be. These accidents highlight the toll the job takes—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and serve as a tribute to the strength and bravery of those who risk it all for a living.

As we continue watching the highs and lows of life at sea, we’re reminded: every pot pulled, every wave endured, and every deckhand’s story is hard-earned—and sometimes, tragically paid in blood.