Blurbs: The F/V Northwestern is crab-catcher vessel owned and operated by the Hansen family of Seattle, WA. Sig, Norman and Edgar Hansen are continuing in the family tradition of commercial fishing that started in Norway four generations ago!
The Northwestern operates exclusively in the Bering Sea of Alaska in one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. The vessel was built in 1977 and has been one of the top producing catchers in the crab fleet.
The Northwestern is featured on Discovery Channel's latest series about the trials and tribulations of crab fishing in Alaska called "Deadliest Catch." The Deadliest Catch series re-runs will be shown this summer on Discovery Channel. Check local listings.
Interests: Crabbin
Sites: Official Homepage
Northwestern Forums
Northwestern MySpace Group
Sign Guestbook
Crew: Sig Hansen
Captain
Began fishing at age 14. Sig often left school early for the summer to fish salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska on a salmon gillnetter. Once salmon season ended he would join the Northwestern to fish Blue and Red king crab in Saint Matthews Island and Nome. Occasionally, Sig had the opportunity to fish Mackerel and Cod in Norway during the summer.
After Sig graduated from high school, he began fishing year-round, spending on average 10 months per year in Alaska. At 22, Sig began relieving captains on the Northwestern. This job is known as a “relief skipper.†As one of the youngest captains in the fleet he knew he had to either show results or get replaced.
Sig opted for results. By 24, Sig began running the Northwester full time. Over the years, the Northwestern has been a top producer repeatedly under Sig’s guidance. Sig doesn’t consider this his greatest accomplishment though. The fact that there have not been any major accidents onboard the Northwestern is by far his greatest accomplishment according to Sig.
Norman Hansen
Engineer/Deck Hand
With a very similar upbringing, Norman Hansen is one year younger than Sig. He fished during the summers in Bristol Bay, Alaska on salmon gillnetters at age 15. Opilio crab fishing also filled his summer months. At 18, Norman began fishing full time until he turned 22.
Norman decided to go to college to pursue his interests as an automotive mechanic. After college, Norman worked as a mechanic several years before returning to fishing in Alaska at age 35. Norman alternates as chief engineer onboard the Northwestern with his brother Edgar and also serves as a deckhand.
Edgar Hansen
Deck Boss/Engineer
Edgar is the youngest Hansen brother who began fishing at 18. Edgar came into his own on deck after only a few seasons. He is known as the “deck boss†on the Northwestern (an informal title given to the senior man on the fishing deck). Edgar is one of the most talented men on deck according to Sig.
When Edgar joined the Northwestern he took Sig’s position as cook. He does a terrific job of keeping the crew well fed under all conditions and is known for preparing gourmet meals in record time. Edgar has also become the chief engineer onboard during the past few years. He maintains all of the machinery onboard including the main and auxiliary engines, hydraulic systems, sea water pumps and fuel systems.
The Store: Northwestern Gear
Heroes: Sverre Hansen [F/V Northwestern]
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