Ep 1. Ticking Bomb

In Deadliest Catch season 12 episode 1 titled "Ticking Bomb," the cameras head to the Bering Sea as a fleet of fishing boats embarks on a new crabbing season. The episode starts with the return of veteran captain Sig Hansen, who suffered a heart attack while fishing last season. Sig's return to the Northwestern shows him taking more of a back seat as his brother, Edgar, captains the boat, while Sig focuses on his health and recovery.

Meanwhile, on the Time Bandit, Captain Johnathan Hillstrand is back in command of the boat after handing it over to his brother, Andy, last season. But Johnathan is dealing with a secret pain: he has a swollen lymph node on his neck that could be a sign of cancer. Determined to keep his fellow crew members in good spirits, Johnathan keeps the news to himself, hoping to get through the season before seeking medical attention.

On the Cape Caution, Captain "Wild" Bill Wichrowski is focused on catching as much crab as possible this season to make up for a lackluster haul last year. His determined attitude quickly becomes evident as he pushes his crew to work harder and faster than they're used to. Meanwhile, the new captain of the Cornelia Marie, Casey McManus, is trailing the rest of the fleet as he deals with mechanical issues on his boat. With time ticking away, Casey needs to make repairs quickly before falling too far behind.

Back on the Northwestern, Edgar is struggling to make up for lost time as he tries to map out where the crab are. The crew is hopeful as they come across some early signs of activity, but a sudden storm throws a wrench in their plans. With winds and waves battering the boat, the crew must stay alert and focus on staying safe through the night.

As the rest of the fleet scrambles to catch as much crab as possible, Johnathan's health continues to weigh heavily on his mind. He finally confides in his brother, Andy, who urges him to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Time Bandit heads into dangerous waters in search of a bigger haul. With seas reaching up to 40 feet, the crew must stay vigilant and work together to avoid disaster.

In the end, each crew member is tested in their own way. Whether they're dealing with mechanical issues, inclement weather, or their own health concerns, each person on these dangerous boats must rely on their instincts and experience to make it through another season of crabbing in the Bering Sea.