Captain Sig Hansen on 'Deadliest Catch': Keeping Crew Motivated and Safe

Captain Sig Hansen shares the biggest challenges he faces at sea, including extreme weather, mechanical issues, and keeping his crew motivated and safe.

Sig Hansen, the legendary captain from the hit reality TV series "Deadliest Catch," has witnessed countless perilous moments over the past two decades of navigating the treacherous Bering Sea. His latest interview with Fox News Digital sheds light on the formidable challenges he and his crew face on a daily basis.

One of Hansen's primary responsibilities as captain is maintaining the morale and motivation of his crew. In the unforgiving environment of the Bering Sea, staying focused and driven can be a daunting task. "The biggest challenge is always the weather," Hansen says. "That's always a big one and keeping your guys motivated, that's always a big challenge."

Hansen has navigated his fair share of life-threatening situations at sea. "We've had events where the boat was icing down to the point where I thought there was no return," he recalls. "We've had struggles with mechanical issues where, you know, we've had, like, tanks where our crab tanks either fill with water when they're not supposed to, and that creates instability on the boat."

One of the most harrowing experiences for Hansen was witnessing the loss of a nearby vessel in thick fog. "There's been many challenges and there were challenges where I've seen boats literally go down. You know, eight miles away from me, and there's nothing I can do about it," he says. "You watch people and friends that you know, and you're literally in the fog. They're right over there and there's nothing I can do about it, and they're gone.

"I think that's a godd--n challenge," Sig concludes.

Despite the inherent dangers, "Deadliest Catch" has remained a popular television show for 20 seasons, drawing audiences from all generations. Hansen attributes this success to several factors, including its celebration of blue-collar work ethic and its ability to bring families together.

"It's successful because, through time, the photography's better, the cameras are better, the people that record what we do are better, and I think that it shows," Hansen says. "My wife and I watch what they film, and she just can't believe it. She's like, 'Oh my God, I feel like I'm in it.'"

While the recognition he receives is gratifying, Hansen finds the true reward in inspiring others. "What's rewarding is the fact that when people come up to me, and they say, 'You know what? You inspire me. I was in the hospital and I watched your show, and I sucked it up,'" Hansen says.

When "Deadliest Catch" first aired in 2005, Hansen never imagined it would last more than a few seasons. However, he now believes the show has taken on a life of its own. "Now I feel like that show is on autopilot," he says. "What goes through my mind is like, you take some things for granted. I know that's not just me, but everybody takes it for granted because they're supposed to be there."

Hansen continues to be amazed by the enduring popularity of "Deadliest Catch" and its ability to connect generations. "It's just crazy because everywhere I go, whether it's young or old, It's like this generational tie. There's a generational knot that puts people together, and it just blows my mind," Hansen says.

Fans can catch Sig and the "Deadliest Catch" crew navigating the Bering Sea for the 20th season on Discovery Channel starting June 11.