Is Sig Hansen Leaving Deadliest Catch After His Latest Medical Emergency?
The Season 21 finale of Deadliest Catch left fans shaken as legendary captain Sig Hansen suffered yet another medical scare. After collapsing on deck from exhaustion and being rushed to the hospital, doctors strongly urged him to retire — or at least step back from the brutal fishing grind.
Given his history of health issues, the big question now looms: Is Sig Hansen finally ready to leave the series?
Is Sig Hansen Retiring From Deadliest Catch?
No — Sig Hansen is not retiring at this time.
Despite the doctor’s warning in the finale, the 58-year-old captain made it clear he’s not ready to walk away.
“I don’t see that happening,” he said. “Quite frankly, I don’t want to.”
Speaking with People, Hansen admitted retirement crosses his mind more often now — especially after losing friends and fellow fishermen — but he insists he still has “a few more years” left in him.
Why Retirement Is on His Mind — but Not Happening Yet
Hansen opened up about the emotional toll of decades at sea:
- He worries more about his own mortality.
- He feels the pull to spend more time with his wife June and their four grandchildren.
- He jokes he’s becoming the “old-timer” who can’t stop bragging about grandkids.
Despite this, the captain’s lifelong passion — and yes, ego — keeps him tied to the wheel.
“You want to stop, but the ego portion won’t let me stop. There’s no way in hell.”
Did Sig Hansen Ever Leave the Show Before?
Hansen has never permanently quit Deadliest Catch, though there was one brief exit in 2010.
During a dispute between Discovery and the Hillstrand brothers over an unfinished spinoff, Hansen stepped away in solidarity. For a moment, it looked like he wouldn’t return for Season 7.
But the conflict was quietly resolved behind the scenes, and Hansen — along with Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand — returned to the series.
Sig Hansen’s History of Medical Emergencies
Hansen’s recent collapse wasn’t his first health scare:
2016 – On-Camera Heart Attack
While filming, Hansen suffered a serious heart attack caused by a blood clot.
He described the pain “like a knife behind my chest plate,” and credits a clot-dissolving shot with saving his life.
2018 – Another Heart Attack Triggered by Allergic Reaction
A severe reaction to an antibiotic led to another “slight heart attack,” further highlighting the risks he faces.
2025 – Exhaustion Collapse on Deck
In Season 21’s finale, Hansen collapsed from extreme fatigue — prompting doctors to push for retirement.
Will Sig Hansen Be in Deadliest Catch Season 22?
Although Discovery has not officially renewed the show yet, Deadliest Catch remains one of the network’s strongest performers. All signs point to a Season 22 in 2026.
And unless something changes, Sig Hansen fully intends to return:
- He’s not ready to quit fishing.
- He’s not ready to leave the show.
- And he’s not ready to give up the life he’s built on the sea.
