Where Is Edgar Hansen From Deadliest Catch Now?
"Deadliest Catch" has retained its place on Discovery's programming lineup since 2005 and refuses to disappear from the television scene. For 17 thrilling seasons, the series has put the spotlight on a host of Bering Sea fisherman and their unending struggle to secure big crab hauls and earn even bigger paydays — showing off every inspiring win and depressing loss alike. In doing so, a handful of the brave folks have risen to prominence among "Deadliest Catch" viewers, making their exploits all the more interesting to watch unfold, no matter how good or bad their luck is.
Alongside the likes of siblings Josh and Jake Harris and Captain Jake Anderson of the F/V Saga, Edgar Hansen is a name that few "Deadliest Catch" fans are soon to forget. Starting in Season 9, Edgar took over the operation of the F/V Northwestern from his legendary brother, Sig, and worked closely alongside his niece Mandy to do their family name proud. However, by the time Season 15 began, Edgar vanished from the small screen altogether and has yet to make a grand return. Naturally, the fanbase went into speculation mode, but the answers they sought weren't hard to find.
Here's what happened to Edgar Hansen, why he left "Deadliest Catch," and what he's up to these days.
Edgar Hansen's legal troubles pulled him away from the Deadliest Catch spotlight
Edgar Hansen last formally appeared on "Deadliest Catch" way back in August of 2018, and given the nature of his personal life around that time, it's not hard to see why. He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 16-year old girl that July, commenting in court that "I am very sorry for that conduct, and I have commenced treatment to ensure that nothing like this assault ever happens again." His plea deal entailed him serving a 364-day suspended jail sentence and paying $1,653 in fines and fees (via TheCinemaholic), but he didn't end up serving any jail time.
Given how heinous his actions were, it should come as no surprise that he was swiftly scrubbed from the main "Deadliest Catch" cast. However, there's evidence out there that Edgar hasn't abandoned the F/V Northwestern or his family altogether. Some "Deadliest Catch" viewers have claimed to spot the former captain milling around in the background of some recent episodes, lending a hand on the famed vessel where he's needed. Be that as it may, Sig has clearly chosen Mandy to be his new protégée on the ship, as she's currently working with him to keep the family business afloat.
There was a time when Edgar Hansen showed a lot of promise as a "Deadliest Catch" regular, but poor decision-making ultimately unraveled his chances of reaching his fullest potential. One can only hope that his apology was sincere and that he has learned from his mistakes and is actively working to better himself.