Ep 1. A Tragic Beginning

It's the beginning of a new crab season in the Bering Sea, and the captains and crews of the fishing vessels featured on Deadliest Catch are gearing up for what promises to be another dangerous year. In the first episode of season 3, titled "A Tragic Beginning," viewers are introduced to the various crews and are reminded of the stakes of this treacherous job.

The episode begins with a somber note as we learn that the Coast Guard has just received a distress signal from one of the fishing vessels. The Coast Guard immediately mobilizes to provide assistance, but we are left wondering which boat is in trouble and if any of the crew members have been injured.

We then meet the captains and crews of the featured vessels, each with their own unique personalities and approaches to fishing. The Cornelia Marie, captained by Phil Harris, is a seasoned veteran of the crab fishing industry and is known for his tough but fair leadership style. The Time Bandit, captained by the Hillstrand brothers, is a family-owned vessel that prides itself on its youthful energy and innovative fishing techniques. The Northwestern, captained by Sig Hansen, is a veteran vessel that has seen its share of tragedy over the years, but the crew remains determined to make the most of this season.

As the vessels set out to sea, we are reminded of just how dangerous this job can be. The boats are battered by large waves and rocked by powerful currents, and the crab pots are heavy and difficult to maneuver. But the crews persevere, knowing that the rewards can be great if they can catch enough crab.

As the episode progresses, we see each crew facing their own challenges. The Time Bandit's hydraulic system breaks down, leaving them unable to retrieve their crab pots. The Cornelia Marie's engine stalls, leaving them stranded in dangerous waters. The Northwestern deals with a new crew member who struggles to adapt to the harsh conditions.

But despite these challenges, the crews remain determined to catch as much crab as possible. The competition is fierce, with each crew vying for the best spots to drop their pots and the most successful fishing strategies. And with the potential for huge payouts, it's clear that the stakes are high.

Throughout all of this, we are left wondering which fishing vessel was in distress at the beginning of the episode. As we see each crew facing their individual challenges, the tension builds as we wait to see if any of them were involved in the emergency situation.

Overall, "A Tragic Beginning" sets the stage for what promises to be another intense and unpredictable season of Deadliest Catch. The episode is a reminder of the risks and rewards of this dangerous job, and it leaves us on the edge of our seats as we wait to see what will happen next.