Ep 11. Shipbreakers

The episode "Shipbreakers" from the seventeenth season of "Deadliest Catch" follows the brave crews of fishing vessels as they set out to the treacherous Bering Sea to wrangle the most valuable prey of all - Alaskan king crab. In this episode, the focus is on the Northwestern, a vessel captained by Sig Hansen.

As the episode begins, Hansen tasks his crew with completing a dangerous and critical offseason project - renovating and rebuilding an old, rundown crab boat. Known in the industry as "shipbreakers," the Northwestern crew dives into the project with vigor.

As they work, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the skills and craftsmanship that go into constructing and maintaining the massive crab-catching vessels that brave the brutal conditions of the Bering Sea. From welding to hydraulic systems to hull repair, the Northwestern's crew demonstrates their impressive abilities as they bring the aging vessel back to life.

But with the winter season fast approaching, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is on to get the renovated crab boat ready for the upcoming crabbing season. And as the Northwestern's crew pushes ahead, tensions begin to rise.

Adding to the stress is the fact that the other crab boats in the fleet are already out on the water, fishing and hauling in their prized catch. The Northwestern crew worries that they'll be left behind, struggling to catch up to the competition.

As the team works through the night to complete the renovation, harsh weather conditions and equipment malfunctions begin to take their toll. But they refuse to give up, pushing themselves to the brink to finish the job and get the crab boat back out on the waves.

As the episode draws to a close, the Northwestern's crew sets their sights on the upcoming crabbing season with renewed determination and teamwork. And viewers are left with a deep appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice that goes into bringing Alaskan king crab to our plates.