Article and Photo by Rande J. Wilson, Public Affairs Officer, Flotill 72, D1-SR, Darien, CT
Norwalk, CT - Captains John and Andy Hillstrand of the vessel Time Bandit talked boating safety with members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Norwalk International Boat Show, in Norwalk Cove Marina. For four seasons and counting, the Hillstrands have commanded the crew aboard the Time Bandit, one of about a half-dozen fishing vessels featured by Discovery Channel film crews on the network's Deadliest Catch series.
 |
| (L-R) Capt. John Hillstrand, Flotilla 72 Commander Art Gottleib, and Capt. Andy Hilstrand discuss the value of wearing lifejackets and carrying VHF radios while boating. "Our crew likes the inflatable lifejackets, they do not restrict their movement, yet are there if you need it," commented Capt. Andy. |
Johnathan Hillstrand, was born and raised in Alaska. As captain of Time Bandit during king crab season, he runs a tight ship. With the dangers of fishing the Bering Sea, the safety of his crew is his top priority. There is no room for mistakes when John is in the wheelhouse.
Brother Andy Hillstrand, also an Alaskan, is a third generation fisherman. The ocean is in his blood. Aboard Time Bandit, Andy is the co-captain. Andy is the consummate professional fisherman and takes every aspect of crew and boat safety seriously.
Setting off from the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor, the Time Bandit navigates the icy northern reaches of the Bering Sea in search of the lucrative Alaskan king and opilio crabs.
Beginning its sixth season next year, Deadliest Catch has become one of the most-watched programs on the Discovery Channel, reeling in 3.56 million viewers for its season four finale. Like any compelling narrative, it's the element of surprise and spontaneity, of being at the mercy of nature, which keeps viewers tuning in each week.
"We're not Hollywood because we don't have a script," Andy said. "You never know what's going to happen, that is why the safety of our crew and the vessel always comes first."
~IJLA