Three 'Deadliest Catch' Captains Quit Show, Report Says
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Three ship captains from Discovery's reality series "Deadliest Catch" have quit, the Hollywood Reporter reports.
After being sued by Discovery for not working on a planned spin-off, Capts. Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand said bye-bye to the network. They were joined by Capt. Sig Hansen.
"We have been through a lot over the past year and unfortunately given the current situation with Discovery we are unable to continue participating in 'Deadliest Catch,'" the fishermen said in a joint written statement. "It has been a fantastic ride, and we wish the best to all of the amazing and supportive 'Catch' fans we have met over the years."
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The Hillstrands are being sued for $3 million by the cable network, which claims they scuttled the spin-off "Hillstranded" by failing to finish the series.
The Hillstrands' lawyer said the lawsuit could force them to sell their boats and fire their crews.
Hansen joined the walk-out, saying, "I want people to know the captains stand together, and me and my brothers support them 100 percent."
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Hansen is captain of the Northwestern on "Deadliest Catch." The Hillstrands captain the Time Bandit.
This has been a tough year for "Deadliest Catch" captains. In February, show favorite and Cornelia Marie captain Phil Harris died of a massive stroke at age 53.