One captain missing from 'Deadliest Catch' season 9 sneak peek

Discovery Channel released a sneak peek of the ninth season of its hit series “Deadliest Catch,” but one star is clearly missing from the show promo.

Captain Elliott Neese is nowhere to be found as the boats prepare to head out to sea, and his absence quickly becomes a hot topic of conversation among the skippers.

“Elliot should be here. He should be ready to go,” cast member Scott Campbell mused during the clip.

Captain Sig Hansen seems less concerned, suggesting Neese lost his boating job.

“I am kind of not surprised that Elliot isn’t here this year,” Hansen said. “No owner is going to let a guy run a boat and not produce.”

But Neese’s fans shouldn’t be too concerned about his fate on the show. In a press release, issued April 4, Discovery Channel announced he would be back for the ninth season.

“Elliott Neese is all in this year as he returns as the owner of his own boat, the F/V Saga.  With over $1 million dollars in the hole and ten bucks to his name the stakes have never been higher for Neese.”

Last season, Neese memorably struggled with rough waters at sea and drama in his personal life.

Season 9 of “Deadliest Catch” premieres April 16 at 9 p.m. EST on Discovery Channel.