Bering Sea — Nearly 150 miles north of Dutch Harbor, a routine haul on the western grounds turned into a high-risk test of seamanship when a steering failure left a veteran crab vessel temporarily without control in building seas.
Fishing near the boundary line separating the eastern and western districts, the crew was racing against time. With 100,000 pounds still to catch before the upcoming Opilio season, every hour mattered. Swells were rising, currents were shifting, and then the pilot system failed.
“We don’t have any steering,” came the call from the wheelhouse.
Within minutes, engineers discovered both steering motors had overheated. The electrical components were too hot to touch. With limited spare parts and worsening weather, the crew faced a critical decision: attempt repairs at sea or risk drifting in heavy conditions.
Improvised Steering in the Galley
Engineer Joe Serpus moved quickly to assess the steering room — a cramped compartment barely four feet by three feet. Unable to immediately restore powered control of the rudder, he improvised a solution.
Using welding tools and available hardware, the crew fashioned a makeshift tiller directly onto the rudder post — located beneath the galley bench. What followed was a rare and demanding maneuver: steering the vessel manually from inside the galley.
Crew members took positions around the steel handle, pulling and adjusting in small increments as instructions were relayed from the wheelhouse.
“Slowly pull it to port… just a couple degrees,” came the guidance.
The boat held course — barely — as engineers worked below to install a replacement motor. For several hours, steering depended entirely on physical effort and coordination in rough seas.
Racing the Clock
The incident occurred during a crucial stretch of the Bairdi fishery, with cannery deadlines looming. Captain Monty was not only trying to complete his final haul but also planning to retrieve his injured brother from Dutch Harbor before transitioning to Opilio crab season.
Despite the breakdown, the vessel managed to continue hauling pots while the steering remained jury-rigged. Crew members described the experience as exhausting but effective.
“I’m actually pretty impressed,” one said, acknowledging that the improvised system kept the vessel operational long enough to complete repairs.
Electrical Repair Brings Relief
After hours of troubleshooting, Serpus identified and reworked the faulty electrical box controlling the steering motor. A test confirmed restored control.
“That’s a huge relief,” the captain responded as powered steering returned.
The forced pause also provided unexpected benefits. The gear soaked longer in the water, potentially improving the final haul. With steering stabilized, the crew resumed operations and pressed forward to meet their quota before the seasonal transition.
Another Reminder of the Bering Sea’s Demands
Mechanical failures are not uncommon in the Bering Sea, but steering loss in active weather represents one of the more dangerous scenarios a crew can face. Without rudder control, a vessel risks broaching to waves or drifting into hazardous conditions.
In this case, rapid improvisation and coordinated effort prevented escalation.
With only days remaining before cannery closure, the crew now shifts focus back to production. The Opilio fishery awaits, and the margin for delay is slim.
For now, the boat is back under control — and the season continues.
