The Minor Deadliest Catch Member Fans Think Would Make A Good Captain

Since it began in 2005, “Deadliest Catch” has followed a wide array of crab fishing crews as they carry out their jobs atop the roaring waves of the Bering Sea near Alaska. The conditions are rarely anything but cold, wet, and extremely dangerous, and it’s up to the captains of each fishing vessel to make sure their operation goes as smoothly as possible, both in terms of their catching success and their safety. As viewers have learned, it’s a very tough job and one that is obviously not for the faint of heart or inexperienced.

“Deadliest Catch” has featured some great captains that have impressed fans with their ability to lead even when the going gets tough. However, there’s also a minor member of the “Deadliest Catch” family who has been with the show for years, and she has many fans convinced that she would make an amazing captain in her own right.

Mandy Hansen has impressed fans

One mid-show addition to captain of the F/V Northwestern and series star Sig Hansen’s crew was his daughter Mandy Hansen. First joining the Northwestern when she turned 18, Mandy has since appeared on “Deadliest Catch” for most subsequent seasons. The father-daughter duo have a tough-love dynamic and their interactions are appreciated by many fans as some of the most heartwarming moments across “Deadliest Catch.” However, Mandy has also impressed viewers in her own right, to the extent that many believe she would be a good head captain.

In a post on the r/deadliestcatch subreddit, u/warriorwoman96 wrote that they were confident in Mandy’s potential, saying, “I think she has good instincts for catching crab and think shes going to be a great captain.” Several commenters agreed that the future is bright for her as a leader. “She seems like she’s got her head screwed on straight, and is a true heir to her family’s legacy,” one user commented. “I’d feel confident going to sea with her at the helm.”

Several fans noted that Mandy is set to be a worthy successor to her father as the Northwestern’s head. According to Sig himself, that’s exactly the plan. “She’s been fast-tracked,” the elder Hansen said in an interview with Nicki Swift. “The big picture is you take over the chair, so to speak. Then let’s get you going on it, and knowledge is power, and I think the more experience she has there, the better off we are as a family entity, and that’s just, you know, there’s no animosity with the group about that.”

Deadliest Catch fans are mourning the death of a beloved captain from the show. The hit reality TV show has been on the air for 19 seasons and well over 300 episodes and through it all, fans have gotten to know a series of captains. Sadly, news broke that one of the original captains passed away earlier this year.

Here is a look at who died and what fans had to say when the word of his passing arrived.

Deadliest Catch loses beloved Captain Larry Hendricks

Word has reached Deadliest Catch fans that Captain Larry Hendricks has died. While newer fans might not recognize his name, Larry was captain of the F/V Sea Star in the first season of the hit reality TV show. He was a long-time veteran of the seas, working as a Bering Sea commercial fisherman. He retired from his job after that first season of the show.

Hendricks died on January 25, 2024, at the age of 70. The Deadliest Catch World Facebook page shared the news when his family announced his passing. The caption stated, “We here at Deadliest Catch World are sending our Condolences to the Family and Friends of Captain Larry Hendricks from F/V Sea Star.” It finished with the loving tribute, “Fair WInds Captain.”

Fans at the time of his death, took it hard and left loving comments on Facebook for Larry and his family.

“Fair winds and calm seas captain.”
“RIP Uncle Larry!!!”
“My thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a very respectful Captain. Generous with a big heart.”
“Sending my heartfelt condolences. I really liked him. He struck me as genuine and cared deeply for his crew and family.”
A Reddit thread was also started, with tributes to Larry Hendricks flowing in from Deadliest Catch fans. The OP mentioned that Larry was often overshadowed by “louder captains” in the first season, but they also appreciated his calm explanations of the art of fishing.

Deadliest Catch fans on Reddit were just as generous in their memories of the former captain.

“I loved Larry. I loved him in the pilot show and always seemed like a nice and genuine person on the show. RIP to an underrated fixture of the show”
“Sorry to be reading this. loved captain larry and his crew on series one. Rip”
“Such an intelligent Capt. Very well spoken. What a great video”

Captain Larry Hendricks was born in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in the Ballard area of Seattle and spent most of his life as a Bering Sea Commercial Fisherman.

Larry’s final season as the captain of the F/V Sea Star featured on the first season of The Deadliest Catch. According to his obituary, he moved to Las Vegas and then to Thailand following his retirement from the fishing industry. He also traveled a lot throughout the United States during his retirement, enjoying his last years.

Larry is survived by his two kids and two grandchildren. After his death, his family scattered his ashes at sea.

What are your memories of Captain Larry Hendricks from Deadliest Catch? Please share your favorite moments in the comments below.