The Latest About Sig Hansen From Deadliest Catch Is Breaking The Headlines

Sig Hansen, the iconic captain of the Northwestern on Deadliest Catch, has long been a symbol of rugged resilience in the Bering Sea. With over two decades on the show, his fearless leadership and sharp wit have captivated fans worldwide.

But recent headlines reveal a man grappling with mortality, health scares, and shifting priorities. From near-fatal illnesses to heartfelt confessions, Sig’s story is evolving beyond the deck of his boat.

Born in 1966 in Seattle, Sig is the grandson of Norwegian immigrants who pioneered opilio crab fishing. Raised by fishing legends Sahara Hansen and his brothers Norman and Edgar, Sig began working on his father’s boat at age 14, enduring sub-zero temperatures and grueling hours. By 24, he was captaining the Northwestern, a 125-foot steel vessel that became a Deadliest Catch staple.

The boat’s impeccable safety record and top performances in 2005 and 2006 cemented Sig’s status as a legend. Yet, behind the scenes, life at sea took its toll.

In 2016, Sig suffered a massive heart attack while filming, shocking fans who saw him as invincible. He returned the next season but admitted the incident changed him. Then, in 2024, a severe ear infection caused his face to swell overnight.

Recalling the scare, Sig told Fox News, “If I had been out at sea, I don’t think I would have made it.” Doctors warned him he was hours from death. This prompted profound reflections on his fragility, especially far from medical help. At 59, Sig now acknowledges his limits, stating, “Honestly, with family, it actually opened my eyes. I mean, I want to spend more time with them.”

Health issues extend to Sig’s personal life. His wife June, married over 20 years, battled cancer in 2019. By 2025, she’s in remission, staying vigilant with daily workouts like swimming. Sig credits her support during his absences—sometimes 8-10 months a year—and vows to repay the time. They have adopted daughters Mandy and Nina, plus four grandchildren.

From his first marriage to Lisa Extramm, daughter Melissa has accused him of mistreatment, leading to a civil case in 2018 with no resolution. Sig denies the claims but admits the complex relationship.

Sig’s confessions paint a raw picture of his career. Ego-driven decisions, like pushing through icing for more money, nearly cost lives. He regrets a young crew member’s back injury from a missed alarm during a storm and a fire with daughter Mandy onboard.

Losses like the FV Destination in 2017 and crew members Nick Mavar, Phil Harris, and others haunt him. “There’s a lot of regret,” he says. “I had a heart attack at sea. Maybe I should have hung up the spurs a long time ago.”

Despite this, Sig isn’t retiring yet. Season 21 saw him team up with rival Jonathan Hillstrand for a risky trip to remote waters, honoring his father’s legacy with Mandy captaining. He admits fear has deepened, but family calls louder. “I’ve been thinking about it ever since. More fearful when you put pots on the boat. More fearful for everybody else. And then you start thinking, my wife has spent decades waiting for me. Why not give her whatever I have left?”

Fans admire Sig’s vulnerability, mixing worry with pride. As he balances sea and shore, one thing’s clear: the Bering Sea’s unforgiving nature has taught him life’s brevity. What lies ahead for the captain?