Ep 3. Blood in the Morning

Deadliest Catch season 9 episode 3 is titled "Blood in the Morning." This episode follows the captains and crews of several Alaskan crab fishing boats as they continue to battle against extreme weather conditions and dangerous seas in order to catch as much king and opilio crab as possible.

The episode begins with the Time Bandit crew, who are struggling to get their pots out of the water due to heavy ice buildup. Captain Johnathan and his crew are forced to use sledgehammers and pickaxes to break the ice and free up their pots. Meanwhile, the Northwestern and Wizard crews are dealing with their own challenges, as they battle against rough seas and heavy snowfall.

As the episode progresses, the Bering Sea begins to take its toll on the crews. On the Cape Caution, deckhand Freddie Maugatai is hit in the face by a crab pot and suffers a serious eye injury. The crew rushes him to a nearby hospital, where he undergoes surgery to repair his eye.

Meanwhile, on the Cornelia Marie, Captain Phil Harris is dealing with health issues of his own. Harris, who suffered a stroke earlier in the season, is struggling to keep up with the demands of crab fishing. His sons Jake and Josh are forced to take on more responsibility as their father's condition worsens.

The episode also features some lighter moments, as the crews celebrate St. Patrick's Day and engage in friendly rivalries. On the Northwestern, Captain Sig Hansen and his crew compete in a fishing derby against the Wizard, while on the Time Bandit, the crew takes part in a makeshift boat race.

As the episode draws to a close, the crews are forced to deal with yet another dangerous situation. The Kodiak, a rival fishing vessel, has taken on water and is in danger of sinking. The crews of the Deadliest Catch come together to offer aid and support, showing the camaraderie and brotherhood that exists among Alaskan fishermen.

Overall, "Blood in the Morning" is a tense and exciting episode of Deadliest Catch, showcasing the hardships and dangers that Alaskan crab fishermen face on a daily basis. From treacherous weather conditions to serious injuries, the crews are forced to navigate a sea that is unforgiving and unpredictable. Despite the challenges they face, however, they remain determined to bring in as much crab as possible and achieve success in one of the world's toughest and most dangerous professions.