An Alaskan fisherman is an occupation that has been rated second to that of Timber Cutters in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world.

*photo by fishermansexpress.com

The king crab continues to be one of North Americas most popular delicacies, and the reward for a successful expedition to capture these creatures run in the excess of $100,000 for sometimes as little as five days work.

Alaskan Fishermen are said to be 50 times more likely to die in their field of work than most any other profession; making a lifetime indeed seem very short in the eyes of these fearless warriors. But what is it exactly that puts these individuals in such periled danger?

1. Extreme weather and drowning (80% of deaths)
2. Hypothermia
3. Crushed hands and internal organs due to waves (heights of 40 feet)
4. Net/rope accidents

Now that the shellfish population is on a steady decline, these fishermen have no other choice but to travel farther and farther into the depths of the abyss to earn a healthy catch of the day.

The blood toll continues to rise along with the tides, as each passing October these individuals continue to put their lives at risk for not only their families, but also a deep rooted heritage and pride.

Hats off to the extreme lives of the Alaskan fishermen; may your path be clear, the winds be kind, and the seas deep enveloping embrace always bring you back home to your families!