Ep 7. A Bigger Boat

After a successful search for the elusive bluefin tuna, the crews of the Cornelia Marie and the Wild Bill are back in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, preparing for the next phase of their journey. However, tensions are running high as they face unexpected challenges.

On the Cornelia Marie, Captain Josh Harris is faced with a critical decision when the boat's crane breaks down. With no means of offloading the heavy tuna to the processing plant, Josh has to decide whether to continue fishing and risk damaging the boat or head back to port and lose valuable time. Meanwhile, the deckhands struggle to keep up with the workload, and injuries threaten to slow them down even further.

Over on the Wild Bill, Captain Bill Wichrowski and his crew face a different kind of challenge. They have received intel on a new area with potential for plentiful fishing, but to get there, they need to navigate treacherous waters filled with rocks and shallows. As they navigate these dangerous waters, tensions rise as the crew grapples with the possibility of damaging the boat and losing valuable time and resources.

As the two crews head out to their respective fishing grounds, they face another challenge: a sudden change in weather. A major storm is approaching, and the captains must decide whether to ride it out or head back to port. For Josh and Bill, the decision could make or break the rest of their season.

With the storm rapidly approaching, the Cornelia Marie and the Wild Bill are forced to abandon their fishing grounds and make a run for Dutch Harbor. However, as they navigate through the stormy conditions, they face another setback: the Cornelia Marie's engine breaks down. With no power and the storm raging around them, Josh and his crew are forced to rely on their training and experience to keep the boat afloat.

As they battle the storm, Josh and Bill reflect on the risks and rewards of the fishing industry and the impact it has on their families and communities. Despite the challenges and danger they face, they are driven to continue their pursuit of the elusive bluefin tuna and the rewards it can bring.

In the end, both crews make it safely back to port, but not without facing significant challenges and setbacks. As they regroup and prepare for the next phase of their journey, they are reminded once again of the deadly risks and immense rewards of commercial fishing.