Three "Deadliest Catch" Stars Leaving Series
NEW YORK (CBS) Three captains have abandoned ship on Discovery's "Deadliest Catch."
Captains Sig Hansen and Jonathan and Andy Hilstrand announced in a statement that they are leaving the series due to litigation with the network.
"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 three crab fishermen said in the joint written statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "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."
Earlier this month, Discovery sued the Hilstrand brothers for $3 million, claiming they failed to live up to an agreement to complete a spin-off project, titled "Hillstranded," which was scheduled to air this fall
Their lawyer, Jeff Cohen, compared the lawsuit to extortion, and said the lawsuit would even force his clients to sell their boats and fire their crews.
Hanson firmly stood behind the Hilstrand brothers and said, "I want people to know the captains stand together, and me and my brothers support them 100 percent."
Their exit follows an emotional season, which chronicled the death of Captain Phil Harris, who died after suffering a stroke in February at the age of 53.
Harris' two sons, Josh and Jake Harris, are expected to return for the shows seventh season.