Modern Marvels: DEADLY FISHING in the Alaska Ocean (S14, E7) | Full Episode

The Alaska Ocean, a massive factory ship, embarks on a mission to catch Alaska pollock in the Bering Sea, a fish critical to feeding the world. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a half-mile-long net capable of hauling 100 tons of fish at a time. The crew, led by Captain Scott Symonds, faces the challenge of a short season and the need to catch 22,000 tons of pollock. The Bering Sea's treacherous conditions, with its sudden weather changes and dangerous waves, add to the difficulty of their task.

The Alaska Ocean is described as one of the world's strongest and safest fishing vessels, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the Bering Sea. The ship's features include a powerful engine, a large propeller, and a hull reinforced with steel. It also has rescue boats and a wheelhouse that oversees all operations. The crew's goal is to catch over 12 million pounds of Alaska pollock to meet their quota. Captain Scott Symonds uses advanced sonar and tracking equipment to locate schools of pollock, navigating around dangerous areas like Zhemchug Canyon, which is filled with potential hazards such as shipwrecks.

Captain Scott Symonds makes a surprising decision to fish in Zhemchug Canyon despite its challenges. The crew sets out a half-mile net and gear set costing over half a million dollars, which if lost, would be a significant blow. The ship trawls at a slow speed, and the net is carefully managed to ensure it is properly deployed and functioning. The process involves using a transducer to monitor the net and fish, but during the first haul, there is a problem with the transponder, leading to a tense situation as Scott must decide whether to address the issue or continue fishing blind.

The Alaska Ocean's crew manages to haul in their first catch of the trip, despite the initial issues with the transponder. The catch is a good start, with 50 tons of pollock on deck. The life of a fisherman aboard the Alaska Ocean is highlighted, showing the mental and physical challenges faced by the crew. The ship provides for its crew with laundry, cleaning services, and continuous meals, but the work is demanding, and the crew works long hours to meet their quota. The summary also touches on the dangers of working in the factory on board, where one mistake can lead to severe injuries.

The narrative focuses on the dangers and the meticulous nature of the fishing operations aboard the Alaska Ocean. The factory manager shares his experience of a severe accident that cost him his forearm, emphasizing the need for safety. The factory's operations are described, from the weighing and sorting area to the processing plant, where observer Ted Jackson collects data on the catch. The processing plant is a high-speed environment where fish are automatically sorted, gutted, filleted, and packaged. The crew's hard work and the efficiency of the factory are highlighted, as well as the importance of waste management and the production of fishmeal and fish oil.

The factory's maintenance is a significant task, with hundreds of pieces of equipment requiring constant care. The crew's resilience is highlighted as they work in a challenging environment. The importance of safety drills is underscored by a personal account of a man overboard incident. The narrative also touches on the financial implications of injuries and accidents on the ship's operations. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Captain Scott Symonds to find fish to meet the quota, leading to strategic decisions and even a change in his personal appearance to improve their luck.

Captain Scott Symonds' decision to change course and shave his beard appears to bring a change in luck as the Alaska Ocean encounters a massive school of pollock. The factory goes into high gear to process the catch, and the crew remains focused on maintaining product quality. The narrative details the rigorous quality control processes, including the ship's dealings with major buyers like McDonald's, which have strict specifications for the fish. The crew's hard work and the efficient operations of the factory are emphasized, as well as the importance of battling bacteria and ensuring the product is frozen and stored correctly.

The crew of the Alaska Ocean is exhausted as they enter the final days of their fishing season. Despite the fatigue, they continue to work tirelessly, with the packaging department boxing up tons of product each day. The physical and mental strain of working in the cold cargo hold is highlighted, as is the risk of frostbite. The narrative follows the crew as they push through their limits to meet their quota, with the promise of a much-needed break and personal relaxation time driving them forward.

The Alaska Ocean successfully completes its season by hitting its quota of 22,000 tons of pollock. The crew's spirits are high as they sail back to Dutch Harbor, but their work is not yet done. They face the daunting task of offloading 2,500 tons of product in a short time frame. The process involves coordinating the movement of the cargo from the hold to the dock without delay. Once the offloading is complete, the crew members share their plans for relaxation and time with family, while Captain Scott Symonds looks forward to a different kind of fishing trip. The narrative concludes with a look ahead to the next season and the anticipation of the crew's return to the Bering Sea.