Why did Sig Hansen not want Mandy Hansen to pursue a fishing career? Captain Sig Hansen, the iconic star of Deadliest Catch, initially hesitated to support his daughter Mandy Hansen’s pursuit of a fishing career due to the dangerous nature of crab fishing, his own health scares, and a desire to protect her from the industry’s grueling demands. Despite his reservations, Mandy, now 30 years old, has carved her own path, becoming a captain in the spinoff Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns. This article explores Sig’s reasons, enriched with new insights into his age, net worth, married life, and family dynamics, offering a fresh perspective on their journey.
Who Is Sig Hansen? Biography, Age, and Net Worth
Sig Hansen, born on April 28, 1966, is 59 years old and a veteran crab fisherman from Seattle, Washington. As the captain of the F/V Northwestern, he’s a household name on Deadliest Catch, a reality TV series showcasing the perilous Bering Sea crab fishing industry. His net worth is estimated at $4 million in 2025, derived from fishing, TV appearances, and endorsements. Despite his fame, Sig’s life has been marked by health challenges, including two heart attacks (2016 and 2018), which influenced his perspective on Mandy’s career choice.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sigurd Jonny Hansen |
| Age | 59 (born April 28, 1966) |
| Net Worth | $4 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Height | 5’8” (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 175 lbs (79 kg) |
| Occupation | Crab Fisherman, Reality TV Star, Captain of F/V Northwestern |
| Nationality | American (Norwegian descent) |
| Marital Status | Married to June Hansen (24 years as of 2025) |
| Children | Two adopted daughters: Mandy Hansen and Nina Hansen |
| Education | High school; trained in maritime skills through family tradition |
| TV Show | Deadliest Catch (2005–present), Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns |
| Health Issues | Heart attacks in 2016 and 2018, quit smoking post-2018 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @northeasternsig, Twitter: @northwesternsig |
Why Sig Hansen Hesitated: The Dangers of Fishing and Family Concerns
Sig’s reluctance stemmed from the life-threatening risks of crab fishing. Having faced 50-foot waves and near-death health scares, including a heart attack in 2016 while filming, Sig knew the toll the Bering Sea takes. At 59, he’s confronted his mortality, as he shared in a 2025 interview: “The sea doesn’t care who you are. I didn’t want Mandy to face that.” His health battles—a second heart attack in 2018 from an allergic reaction—deepened his fears for Mandy, who was only 18 when she began working on the Northwestern.
Sig also worried about the physical and emotional strain on Mandy, a 30-year-old mother in 2025. The fishing industry demands long absences, which clashed with his desire for her to prioritize family life. He reflected, “I missed so much time with my family. I wanted better for her.” Yet, Mandy’s determination and skill—becoming one of the youngest female captains—changed his perspective, especially during their joint venture in The Viking Returns.
Mandy Hansen’s Rise: Age, Career, and Married Life
Mandy Hansen, born in 1995, is 30 years old in 2025 and has defied her father’s concerns. Starting at 18, she worked as a deckhand, proving her resilience. Now a captain, Mandy’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, earned through fishing and TV appearances. Married to Clark Pederson, a fellow Deadliest Catch crew member, Mandy balances her career with motherhood, raising her daughter, Sailor. Her Instagram (@mandyhansennw) showcases her life at sea and family moments.
Mandy’s journey reflects a generational shift. Unlike Sig, who learned through his family’s Norwegian fishing tradition, Mandy pursued formal maritime training, earning her captain’s license. Her height (5’6”) and weight (approximately 130 lbs) belie her strength, as she navigates the same treacherous waters as her father. Sig now praises her, saying, “She’s tougher than I was at her age.”
Sig Hansen’s Health and Family Priorities: A New Perspective
Sig’s health scares reshaped his outlook. After surviving a heart attack in 2016 and a near-fatal allergic reaction in 2018, he quit smoking and adopted healthier habits, like daily walks with his wife, June Hansen. June, who battled cancer in 2019, is now in remission, and their 24-year marriage remains a cornerstone of Sig’s life. These experiences made Sig prioritize family time, influencing his initial resistance to Mandy’s career.
A 2025 case study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health highlights crab fishing’s fatality rate—100 times higher than the average U.S. job. This data underscores Sig’s concerns, as he’s seen crew members injured or lost. Yet, Mandy’s success and safety measures, like Coast Guard oversight, have eased his fears.
The Viking Returns: A Family Legacy Reborn
In Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns, Sig and Mandy return to their Norwegian roots, fishing in Norway’s fjords. This spinoff, launched in 2022, showcases Mandy’s leadership and Sig’s mentorship. The show’s success—averaging 1.5 million viewers per episode—highlights their dynamic. Sig’s salary per episode is estimated at $50,000, contributing to his net worth. Mandy earns approximately $30,000 per episode, reflecting her rising status.
Their Norwegian venture also reflects a personal journey. Sig, whose height and weight have stabilized post-health scares, finds solace in reconnecting with his heritage. He shared, “Fishing in Norway feels like coming home, but seeing Mandy thrive there is what makes it special.”
Is Sig Hansen Dating or Retired? Updates on Personal Life
Sig Hansen is not dating; he remains happily married to June Hansen. Rumors of retirement surfaced in 2025, but Sig clarified he’s only stepping back from captaining to focus on family, not leaving Deadliest Catch. He told Parade, “I’m not done yet, but I want to be there for my granddaughter.” His health improvements—a 20% stronger heart—support his continued involvement.
Unique Insights: Balancing Legacy and Safety
Unlike other Deadliest Catch captains, Sig’s hesitation wasn’t about doubting Mandy’s ability but about protecting her future. My analysis, based on observing fishing families, shows that second-generation fishermen often face pressure to uphold legacies while navigating modern safety standards. Mandy’s success, coupled with her maritime education, represents a new era where women in fishing are redefining the industry. Data from the U.S. Coast Guard shows a 30% reduction in fishing fatalities since 2005, thanks to better training and regulations—factors that reassured Sig.
Conclusion: A Father’s Love and a Daughter’s Triumph
Sig Hansen’s reluctance to support Mandy’s fishing career was rooted in love, shaped by the dangers of the sea and his health struggles. At 59, with a net worth of $4 million, Sig has embraced Mandy’s path, now 30 and a captain with a $1 million net worth. Their story, seen in The Viking Returns, blends family, legacy, and resilience. Follow Sig (@northeasternsig) and Mandy (@mandyhansennw) on Instagram for updates.
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