In a heart-wrenching turn of events, tragedy befalls the crew of the “Destination” in one of the most devastating incidents to ever rock the world of the “Deadliest Catch.” The harrowing tale of the sinking ship unveils the grim realities of life at sea, where danger lurks around every corner and the line between life and death is razor-thin.
It was February 10, 2017, when the “Destination” set sail on what was meant to be another routine crab hunting expedition. However, fate had other plans in store as the vessel found itself engulfed in a nightmare of Alaskan waters, battered by monstrous swells and besieged by towering icebergs.
As the crew battled against the elements, the weight of the ice piled up relentlessly on the ship, pushing it beyond its limits. Despite their valiant efforts, the “Destination” succumbed to the merciless forces of nature, plunging into the depths of the ocean without a trace.
The news sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of crab fishermen, as hopes of a miraculous rescue dwindled with each passing day. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a frantic search effort, but their endeavors proved futile as the ship and its brave crew vanished without a trace.
Months later, a sunken ship near the last known position of the “Destination” reignited hopes of closure for the grieving families. The painstaking investigation that followed provided some insight into the tragic events that led to the ship’s demise, but the pain of loss lingered on.
The six courageous souls who perished that fateful night—Captain Jeff Hathaway, Dari Selbode, Kai Hamik, Larry O’Grady, Raymond Vincler, and Charles G. Jones—left behind a legacy of bravery and sacrifice that will forever be etched in the annals of maritime history.
For Sig Hansen, a beloved figure in the crab hunting community, the news of the “Destination’s” fate struck a chord of profound sorrow. As he grappled with the harsh realities of his profession, he mourned the loss of his comrades and reflected on the fragility of life at sea.
As the waters of the Bering Sea continue to whisper tales of loss and resilience, the sinking of the “Destination” stands as a stark reminder of the perils that accompany the pursuit of fortune in one of the world’s deadliest professions. In the unforgiving realm of the sea, bravery is measured not by the catch, but by the courage to face the unknown, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
