A Captain Returns to the Deck
January 22, 2008
You got to know Eric Nyhammer, 46, as the captain of the Rollo during Season 2 of
Deadliest Catch. He led an eclectic and somewhat artsy mix of crew members aboard the 107-foot house forward vessel owned by his father Siven. Like the Skaars and the Hansens, Eric has strong Norwegian fishing roots and knows how to run a boat in the Bering. He once said, “It's still man against Mother Nature out there, so you can't get too over-cocky. You gotta know just how smart you are.”
After skippering the Rollo for king crab season, Eric joined the crew of the North American to work the deck, working both boats for king crab. In his spare time, Eric is an artist working in oils and pastels, and comes off as mellow and laid-back; however, he shouldn’t be underestimated. From what folks say, he really likes to lead and doesn’t have a problem speaking his mind, so we’ll see how he does as a deckhand taking orders.
Beyond the deck, Eric is the father of three children and says he does the show so they can see him at work and in his element.
Davin Ness, 39, joins Eric on the deck of the North American. He’s a third-generation fisherman from Seattle who’s been fishing since the age of 12. His first crab outing was in 1984 with his father and he’s been hooked since. Davin has known the Skaars all his life and looks forward to being a part of the crew that brings the North American back to the waters of the Bering Sea. He’s tried jobs on land but always finds himself drawn back to the sea. “The money used to be better, but there’s just something about being out there. It always draws you back.”
What do you think of Eric’s return? Do you think he’ll be able to take orders from the Skaars? Post your comments below.
Coming up: More from Dutch and another new boat with a familiar face.
Cool, I am looking forward to seeing Eric. I thought he and the crew of the Rollo were a blast to watch. Some think they were goofy, but when you have a dangerous/stressful job, you have blow off some steam. Just ask any firefighter what kind of crazy things go on in the firehouse.
Posted by: webdoc | January 22, 2008 at 06:27 PM
This is so exciting!! I would love to see the whole Rollo crew again, but I am very excited to be seeing Eric!!!
Posted by: Katie | January 22, 2008 at 08:41 PM
HECK YEAH! Eric Nyhammer is back in action! We might get his boat back, but at least we get him back.
Posted by: Minarvia | January 22, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I am GOOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE Eric Nyhammer!!!!!! This is SUCH exciting news!!!!!!!!! The Captain of the North American made a GREAT choice....but he knows that!!!!! I'm smiling...you made my night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (:
Posted by: Kim Minkoff | January 22, 2008 at 11:11 PM
To work the deck after being in the wheel house generally means that you have a great deal of respect for the Head Boat Driver. I left the wheel house of one boat to ship as engineer of a trip boat working on Georges, and have seen others do the same over the years.
Posted by: herrinchoker | January 22, 2008 at 11:14 PM
I Love Eric Nyhammer. He is a great fishermen and an interesting man. I have had the pleasure of corresponding with him via email since season 2. I am looking forward to seeing him on deck. He was great at it when he helped the crew out on the Rollo. I am looking forward to seeing him in action one more time! You have made a lot of fans around the world smile tonight! Thank you for bringing him back. He was missed in season 3 as well as the ecletic and fun crew of the Rollo!
Posted by: Kimberly Lewis | January 22, 2008 at 11:47 PM
WAAAHOOOOO!!!!!!!!
I've so been looking forward to seeing Eric again. This just totally made my night. :)
The Rollo is one of the reasons I bought Season 2 on DVD first (ok Captains John and Andy had a bit to do with it too).
The crew of the Rollo had such a personality. I can't wait to watch Eric in action again, thanks Discovery.
Now I can't wait for season 4, even more than before.
Posted by: ArtisticJen | January 23, 2008 at 02:35 AM
I never would have guessed this. I have a feeling this season will be funny and like all Captains, Eric used to take orders so this should not affect anything as long as he doesn't tell Sten how to run the boat.
Hunter
Posted by: Hunter Faulisi | January 23, 2008 at 03:01 AM
I loved watching the Rollo on Season 2 and I'm glad we'll get to see Capt. Eric again! How interesting it'll be to see him on deck instead of in the wheelhouse! I think he'll do a great job!
Posted by: Lhiiiz | January 23, 2008 at 09:21 PM
I cant wait to see Eric on deck! I think it will seem a little strange after seeing him as captain, but it will be fun to watch.
Posted by: Cody C. | January 24, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Good, now I can finally pick were I left off on the Deadliest Catch drinking game, for a while there I thought I'd have to be the Bering Sea. Hey Eric, this Shiner Bock is for you. Prosit!
Posted by: "Shiner" Crowe | January 25, 2008 at 09:18 PM
I would think you could supply us with more info on the season to come!!!! thanks
Posted by: james | January 26, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I'm thrilled!!! I loved Eric and would love to see some of his painting. Think any of it will make it to season 4?
Posted by: Jennifer McKenzie | January 26, 2008 at 11:27 PM
WELCOME BACK ERIC!!! Glad to see you whether you're captain or crew. You have been missed. Godspeed Rollo and North American.
Posted by: christina newell | January 27, 2008 at 06:46 PM
So what happen to his boat?
Posted by: Patrick Elie | January 28, 2008 at 07:53 PM
I was so disheartened when Captain Eric & the Rollo left before. I am glad to see him back on the Rollo and I can't wait to see him as a deckhand!
Posted by: Peter | January 29, 2008 at 08:17 AM
ya i think he will be ok glad the rollo is back to cool good to see new people plus old ones welcome to use eric :) wish that was me tho you lucky dog :)
Posted by: myra | January 29, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Loved the Rollo crew and Eric. Good to have one of the captains give the North American the benefit of his experience, as they return to crab fishing. Can't wait for season 4!!
Posted by: blackcove | January 29, 2008 at 03:20 PM
once a fisherman always a fisherman you can.t take that away from anyone just love it its in your heart to do it just do it be cool eric :)
Posted by: myra | January 29, 2008 at 03:22 PM
i can't believe Eric's back,with the Skaars none of the less
Posted by: Ryann | January 30, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I can NOT wait for Season 4 to start, I have everyone I know watching the show and we all like different crews and boats it is fun. I am a personal fan of the Northwestern, you'll rock! I am looking forward to the action this year judging from what I am reading on this web site, Season 4 will deliver the action we love.
Posted by: Michelle | February 02, 2008 at 08:18 PM
APRIL......I WANT MY DEALIEST CATCH NOW!!!!!! Eric glad your back, missed ya bro. Bring back Hyrum from the Maverick, we need that cranky old salt!!!! Love, love, love Phil and all the bitching he does he makes the show a hoot!! Glad to see America's favorite cowboys are back, and badder than ever!!!!!! Go Time Bandit!!!!!!!
Posted by: GOUCH | February 03, 2008 at 10:23 AM
The Skaars, Nyhammer, and Ness, all on the North American. Yumpin' Yupiter. The Norwegians are coming.....
Posted by: norwegian_footballer | February 04, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Regarding Capt. Sten Skaar; I had no idea that Richard Simmons was a crab fisherman! Couldn't be more of a pansy if he "threw the closet door open" and hit the deck wearing a pink tutu! Anyone else have their "gaydar" go off?
Posted by: nancy | May 26, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Nice to see Eric the hotie back!
Posted by: Kayakmama | May 27, 2008 at 01:24 AM