Deadliest Catch dives into powerful stories of courage and perseverance, but also human bonds and connections built on the brutal waters of the Bering Sea. Several relationships stand out, but one is especially remarkable – the legacy bond between Captain Sig Hansen and his daughter Mandy Hansen.
Mandy always wanted to fish, but her father initially hesitated to allow her to pursue the career because of the danger. He shared, “I did not want her on the boat. I’ve lost so many friends… you can’t even comprehend. You’re out there risking your life.” She looked into other maritime opportunities, but fishing was the thrill she sought. So, at age 18, Mandy became one of the youngest women on the waters in the Bering Sea during the winter months.
Knowing that it was hard to overcome being a woman in a male-dominated industry, she had another obstacle to overcome: the legacy of her father. She revealed to People, “People doubting you. Or they’re going think that you are silver-spoon-fed or get off easy, but the fact is that I’m still out there. I’m not on land. I’m not at home. I just always try to be the hardest working person in the room, and that’s the best I can do.” Mandy learned how to face the unexpected on the series. When her father did finally let her have a chance to captain F/V Northwestern solo, she experienced some minor disasters, but they turned into a learning experience, even if it meant a stern lecture.
Beyond working on the ship, the family dynamics showcased Sig as the hesitant future father-in-law to Clark Pederson … but he ultimately gave his blessing and even a promotion on the F/V Northwestern. Sig was also seen as a loving grandfather when Mandy gave birth, but he was hesitant to let her return to work after baby Sailor Moon Pederson was born. For Sig, his granddaughter’s birth meant something even grander. “This is another part of our legacy,” he said. Who knows if Deadliest Catch will be around in another 20 years, but perhaps we’ll watch another generational moment when Mandy passes her knowledge to Sailor. The relationship between Mandy and Sig shows how much this industry is part of the Hansen family’s fabric.
Fishing Has a Deep Legacy in ‘Deadliest Catch’ Hansen Family
The Hansens are a generational fishing family. As seen on Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns, Sig’s father, Sverre Hansen, is a descendant of a long line of fishermen of Norwegian ancestry. When promoting the series, Sig revealed to First Coast News that the Hansen ancestors were fishermen in Norway, but in relation to Deadliest Catch, his family helped to pioneer opilio crab fishing in Norway, which is also one of the popular catches in Alaska. It’s part of why passion comes from Sig when he is out in the Bering Sea. Sverre Hansen’s three sons, Sig, Edgar Hansen, and Norman Hansen, continued in the world of fishing, becoming prominent presences on Deadliest Catch.
As seen in Deadliest Catch, there is immense passion from a captain when they pass down their knowledge to the next generation. When it comes to their children, it makes it even more special. From hands-on deckhands learning the ropes to eventually earning the privilege of helming the ship, having someone special to guide you through that journey is invaluable—and that’s exactly the case for Sig and Mandy.
