Is Jake Anderson Related to Sig Hansen? The Truth Behind the Deadliest Catch Stars
If you are a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit reality show Deadliest Catch, you might be wondering about the relationship between two of the most prominent captains on the show: Jake Anderson and Sig Hansen. Are they related by blood, by marriage, or by friendship? Or are they rivals on the Bering Sea? Here is everything you need to know about the connection between these two crab fishing legends.
How They Met
Jake Anderson and Sig Hansen first met in 2007, when Anderson was hired as a greenhorn (a rookie crew member) on Hansen’s boat, the F/V Northwestern. Anderson made his debut on the show in the episode “New Beginnings”, which aired on May 15, 2007. He had no prior experience in crab fishing, but he was eager to learn and prove himself. Hansen, who is a third-generation Norwegian-American fisherman, took Anderson under his wing and taught him the ropes of the dangerous and demanding job.
A Father-Son Bond
Over the years, Anderson and Hansen developed a close bond that resembled a father-son relationship. Anderson looked up to Hansen as a mentor and a role model, while Hansen saw Anderson as a hard-working and loyal protégé. Anderson also became close with Hansen’s real-life daughter, Mandy, who joined the Northwestern crew in 2014. He described their relationship as a sibling rivalry, as they both competed for Hansen’s approval and attention.
Anderson faced many personal tragedies during his time on the Northwestern, including the deaths of his sister and father, both of which occurred while he was at sea. Hansen supported him through these difficult times and helped him cope with his grief. He also encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a captain himself.
A Friendly Rivalry
In 2012, Anderson was promoted to deck boss of the Northwestern, and later that year, he obtained his USCG Mate 1600-ton license and Master 100-ton Captain’s license. In 2015, he left Hansen’s boat to take over the helm of another crab fishing vessel, the F/V Saga. Since then, he has been competing with Hansen and other captains for crab quota and fishing grounds.
Despite their professional rivalry, Anderson and Hansen have maintained their friendship and respect for each other. They often communicate via radio and share jokes, advice, and updates on their catches. They also help each other out when they face challenges or emergencies on the water. For example, in season 16, Hansen came to Anderson’s aid when his boat was leaking fuel and needed repairs.
Not Related by Blood or Marriage
Although Anderson and Hansen have a strong bond that goes beyond business, they are not related by blood or marriage. They do not share any family ties or ancestry. However, they do consider each other as family in a broader sense, as they are part of the tight-knit community of crab fishermen who risk their lives every season on the Bering Sea.
Anderson is married to Jenna Patterson, whom he met in 2010. They have three children together: Aiden, Cadence, and Luca. Hansen is married to June Hansen, whom he met in 1987. They have two daughters together: Mandy and Nina.
Conclusion
Jake Anderson and Sig Hansen are two of the most popular and successful captains on Deadliest Catch. They have a long history together that started as a mentor-mentee relationship and evolved into a friendly rivalry. They are not related by blood or marriage, but they share a deep bond that is based on mutual respect, admiration, and trust. They are both passionate about their profession and their families, and they continue to inspire millions of viewers with their courage and determination.
