Ep 13. Bomb Cyclone

It's another harrowing fishing expedition for the crew of the various crab fishing vessels featured on Discovery Channel's hit series, Deadliest Catch. In season 16, episode 13 titled "Bomb Cyclone," the team faces one of the most challenging weather systems of the season as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea.

A "bomb cyclone" is a weather term that describes a system that quickly intensifies with dramatic drops in atmospheric pressure. In this episode, the captains and crew must deal with intense winds, freezing rain, snow, and ice as they try to catch King crab, Opilio crab, and Bairdi crab. The entire crew is on high alert, as they know that one mistake could be deadly in these conditions.

Some of the featured vessels in the episode include the Cornelia Marie, the Time Bandit, and the Northwestern. We see the captains and crew of each boat suiting up in their waterproof gear and bracing themselves for what could be a difficult and dangerous day of crab fishing. Despite the extreme weather conditions, the crew must carry on with the task at hand. They know that each pot of crab they bring up represents thousands of dollars and a significant win in a competition that could last only a few more weeks.

Throughout the episode, we see various elements of the crew's crab fishing routine, such as setting and retrieving pots, sorting through the catch, and even preparing a meal of crab on board. However, these routine activities are complicated by the uneasy conditions of the bomb cyclone. As the weather worsens, we see the crew members struggling to keep their footing on the icy deck and holding on for dear life as waves crash over the boat.

One particular part of the episode focuses on the Time Bandit's Deckhand Travis Lofland. Travis is relatively new to crab fishing and has never experienced anything like the Bomb Cyclone. He's determined to earn his stripes and prove himself as a valued member of the crew. However, his inexperience may cause a few hiccups on the boat, and the rest of the crew is concerned for his safety.

The episode is also an opportunity for viewers to get to know many of the crew members better. The intensity of the situation brings out raw emotions and vulnerabilities of even the most hardened crab fishermen. We see moments of camaraderie, encouragement, and even lighthearted humor among crew members, making it clear that there is a deep sense of respect and brotherhood within the crab fishing community.

As the storm continues to rage, we see the crew members becoming increasingly tired and emotional. It becomes clear how dangerous the conditions are when a wave smashes into one of the vessels, damaging it severely. We see the other boats banding together to attempt a rescue, but the situation is dire and heart-wrenching.

Finally, the storm subsides, and the boats return to port, crabbing season is just weeks away from its conclusion, and the need to land a large haul of King crab, Opilio crab, and Bairdi crab is more vital than ever. Their window of opportunity to earn a significant paycheck is dwindling, and all the crews will need to dig deep to succeed.

"Deadliest Catch" season 16, episode 13, "Bomb Cyclone," is a dramatic episode that showcases the dangers and challenges of crab fishing in the Bering Sea. The crew members of the various crab boats are tough and resilient, but the Bomb Cyclone is one of the most challenging situations they face this season. As always, the episode is full of exciting and entertaining moments, but also somber reminders of the risks these brave fishermen face every day.