The Disappearance of the Time Bandit on Deadliest Catch
Fans of Deadliest Catch Season 19 are familiar with Johnathan Hillstrand, the seasoned fisherman who captained the F/V Time Bandit. However, viewers have noticed the absence of the Time Bandit from the series, which had been a prominent fixture since Season 2 and appeared in multiple later seasons. So, what happened to the legendary boat?
The End of the Time Bandit’s Run
Johnathan Hillstrand himself confirmed the end of the Time Bandit’s run, stating that the boat was no longer sustainable. The maintenance costs, especially after the engine exploded, became too much to manage, leading Hillstrand to retire the boat. In 2018, he announced, “This is the first time in 38 years I’m going to miss a Bering Sea King crab season,” highlighting the immense personal and financial toll of keeping the boat in working order.
A Temporary Resurgence and Sale
After a brief hiatus, Hillstrand shared that the Time Bandit was back in business, with repairs and refurbishments completed. The boat was eventually put up for sale for nearly $3 million in 2020. As of June 2023, the Time Bandit was reportedly positioned in the North East Atlantic Ocean, sailing under the flag of Norway.
Hillstrand’s Departure and Return to Deadliest Catch
Johnathan Hillstrand originally decided to leave Deadliest Catch after Season 13, alongside his brother Andy Hillstrand and Captain Sig Hansen. They cited issues with the show’s production as their reason for stepping away. Despite their departures, Hillstrand later returned to retain his captain’s share of the fishing quota, a necessary move if he wanted to continue fishing in the future.
The Hillstrand-Hansen Reunion and Disagreements
While Hillstrand’s return was seen as a positive development for the show, there was one major stipulation: Hillstrand was not interested in working with Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski. Despite producers’ hopes of bringing the two captains together, Hillstrand made it clear that he preferred working with Jake Anderson instead.
Hillstrand’s Strategy for Success
As shown in Deadliest Catch Season 19, Episode 9, Hillstrand teams up with Captain Keith Colburn to navigate a storm and continue their record-breaking runs. With a storm looming, the two captains work together to triangulate their crab catches, showcasing Hillstrand’s strategic approach to fishing despite the challenges.
