Watch Trawlers, Rigs & Rescue

Trawlers, Rigs & Rescue is an exhilarating reality television series that takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the treacherous waters of the North Sea, highlighting the lives of hardworking fishermen, oil rig workers and rescuers. The show premiered on XiveTV in 2015 and has since become one of the network's most popular programs.

The show follows the daily activities of fishing crews as they navigate the unforgiving North Sea in pursuit of their catch. The show's opening credits set the tone for high-intensity, fast-paced action as viewers get to see the enormous fishing vessels, equipped with nets and winches, as they make their way through the rough waters. The series presents the fishermen's lives, their jobs, and the perils that come with their chosen profession as they work tirelessly to bring in their haul while battling harsh weather conditions.

The program features different types of fishing vessels used for various tasks, such as net trawling or longlining. In one episode, viewers watch as the crews of a Scottish trawler risk everything as they manoeuvre between blocks of ice to reap the benefits of the "ice-edge" fishing grounds. This type of fishing involves making the most of the frozen sea's edges where the large concentrations of fish are found, and the crew must work quickly and efficiently to maximise the catch.

Another episode features the crews of a long-lining vessel as they head out into the open sea. The long-lining method involves dropping a long line of baited hooks into the depths of the ocean, hoping to reel in large, valuable fish such as halibut, monkfish and turbot. Viewers get to see the crews as they employ their expertise and stamina to haul in their prized catches and beat the competition.

While the show's primary focus is on the challenges of commercial fishing, it also highlights the oil and gas industry's critical role in the North Sea's economy. The show takes viewers offshore to witness the day-to-day activities of the oil rigs and the people who work on them. From the engineers that service the state-of-the-art machinery, to the helicopter pilots tasked with transporting people and equipment to and from the rigs, the show presents a captivating insight into the world of offshore drilling.

The program also places a spotlight on the men and women who work tirelessly to keep fishermen and rig workers safe. Coastguards, lifeboat crews, and air-sea rescue teams are on the scene to aid those who find themselves in distress in some of the world's most unforgiving waters. In one episode, viewers see a dramatic rescue as a helicopter team races against time to rescue a crew member from a fishing vessel as it falls on its side in high seas.

Trawlers, Rigs & Rescue carefully unpacks the hazards that come with these jobs, including the unpredictable changes of weather at sea, equipment failures, and the possibility of accidents while dealing with heavy machinery. From large-scale emergencies to small yet dangerous mishaps, the program shows the risks that come with the job and the sheer bravery needed to overcome them.

Aside from the exciting thrills, the show's commentary also delves into the industries' economic and social ramifications. It shines a spotlight on everything from the impact on seafood supply chains to the effect on local communities and economies that depend on the fishing industry. The program also highlights the tough competition among fishermen and their massive manufacturing companies, which continues to put pressure on people's livelihoods.

Overall, Trawlers, Rigs & Rescue is a thrilling, action-packed show that takes viewers on an immersive journey through some of the world's toughest and most unforgiving working environments. From the fishermen and their vessels to the oil rigs and rescue workers, the program provides a compelling insight into the lives of those whose daily existence revolves around work at sea. The show's rich visual imagery and high-energy pacing will captivate viewers and leave them eagerly awaiting the next episode.