INTERVIEW: Mandy Hansen works with her father on ‘Deadliest Catch’
Mandy Hansen, daughter of world-famous crab fisherman Sig Hansen, has grown up around the ocean. She has been salmon tendering since she was 14 years old, and this past season she was ready to take a further jump into the fishing world by becoming a deckhand on her father’s boat, the Northwestern.
The 18-year-old faced difficult obstacles as a greenhorn, and her adventures will be part of Deadliest Catch’s 10th season, which continues with new episodes Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel.
“In the beginning, of course, it was hard,” Hansen said recently during a phone interview. “It only got worse the longer I was out on deck because my hands were hurting so bad. They got so sore. I mean I couldn’t move my hands. I always wear rings. Of course, you can’t wear jewelry up there, but I couldn’t even get it past my nail line afterward. They swelled up about four times their own size. … I tried my best, and I am very proud of what I accomplished myself.”
Hansen said, despite the challenges, she loved the job and being out on the open sea with her fellow fishermen.
“I love physical work. I love being outdoors and doing this kind of stuff. As far as the life’s career, it all depends on the captains themselves. If anybody wants to rehire me, I would love to do it. I know there’s … other boats and things out there that I would love to try as well, at some point. But, of course, if I can get a spot and be a part of my family business, then that’s where I want to be.”
When Hansen looks up to her father in the wheelhouse, she could easily be conflicted. Is Sig her father? Her boss? Both? She said that at sea, he’s the boss. However, she felt comfortable going up and talking with him.
“I wasn’t too worried about anyone else,” she said. “I was just worried about my family and my crew, and proving myself to them … and being able to keep up on the pods. I didn’t want to be in their way either.”
The dangers of crab fishing off the coast of Alaska are numerous. Rogue waves can knock down crew members, and the elements are harsh. There’s no rest for the weary. “A big wave comes up, and you realize where you are. That’s the only scary part. You don’t realize it’s that dangerous until you get one of those waves pop up.”
“It’s so scary. I don’t know what they’re actually going to show on TV. I wanted to go fishing. That was it. I didn’t realize it was going [to be] such a big deal, and I’d actually be in the public eye. That’s terrifying for me. But I’m starting to wrap my head around it.”
Hansen’s story may prove to be an inspiration, especially to younger female viewers of the hit Discovery Chanel series. Even though she’s hesitant to watch herself on TV, she is excited to see how the audience responds to her presence.
“I want it to succeed,” Hansen said of the family business. “I want to be a part of it. I don’t want to sit back and just watch it. I want to be on deck with the guys. … I don’t want to work at a random company and just have to try to make someone else’s business grow. It’s pride.”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
