Sig Hansen, the iconic captain from the reality television series Deadliest Catch, is pushing back against persistent rumors that he plans to retire. Despite ongoing health concerns following multiple heart attacks, the 60-year-old fisherman has made it clear that stepping away from the helm is not on his agenda.
Rebelling Against Retirement Talk
In a recent interview with People magazine, Hansen expressed his frustration with the constant speculation about his retirement. "I keep hearing those rumors myself. The more I hear that, the more I kind of want to rebel and not do that," he stated. He emphasized that retirement is not happening "anytime soon," despite what others may think.
Hansen, who captains the F/V Northwestern, acknowledged that he would like to see his daughter, Captain Mandy Hansen, take on more responsibility. However, her focus on raising her children has delayed that transition. "My son-in-law Clark (Pederson) has been stepping up more and more, and he's perfectly capable," Hansen added. "But for me, that's still kind of an ego thing and I don't want to retire just yet."
Wisdom and Fear with Age
Turning 60 in April was a milestone Hansen chose not to celebrate. "That's the whole beauty of it, you know?" he remarked, noting that the day passed like any other. "Being in denial is a beautiful thing. It actually works, believe it or not."
Despite his defiant stance, Hansen admitted that age has brought a sense of caution. "I actually get more fearful as I get older," he confessed. He now avoids putting himself in "harm's way" as much as he did in his younger years. Yet, his passion for the sea remains undiminished. "I know time is limited, so I want to keep doing it while I can," he said. "I think there's a little ego involved. And I don't want anybody knocking me off my throne just yet. I know there's a line of people waiting, but I'm not ready for that."
No Full Retirement in Sight
Even when he eventually hands over the reins, Hansen doubts he will ever fully step away. "I don't think I could ever fully retire. Even if someone else was running the boat, your mind is still active," he explained. "You're thinking about the weather, where they're at. You can never turn it off. I don't think I'd respect myself if I could just walk away from it completely."
Previous Retirement Considerations
Last year, Hansen had hinted at retirement due to a growing fear of death. "I think I've got a few more years left in me. I think about it all the time, and when I do think about 'retiring,' it's only because I've lost so many people, and I'm more fearful every time we go out on the water," he told People at the time. He added, "Part of it is just, you think about your own mortality, and I'm fearful. I don't have the same mentality I did as before, where you look at everything as a challenge."
Season 22 and Tragedy
The current season of Deadliest Catch has been marked by tragedy. The show recently covered the death of 25-year-old deckhand Todd Meadows, who fell overboard from the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady on February 25. The incident was captured on film. Meadows was recovered but later died from drowning and hypothermia, according to his death certificate. Season 22, which premiered on May 8, featured a tribute to Meadows.
Hansen's determination to continue fishing, despite health scares and personal loss, underscores his deep connection to the Bering Sea and the life he has built there. As he put it, "I don't think I could ever fully retire."
