Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor emerges as a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonder. Situated on the windswept shores of Amaknak Island in Unalaska, this remote outpost is a beacon of resilience, bearing witness to centuries of maritime heritage. From the ancient Aleut people who first inhabited these lands to the intrepid explorers who chartered its waters, Dutch Harbor’s history is as diverse as the landscape itself. It was one of the few sites in the US to be subjected to aerial bombardment by an enemy during WWII.
Today, Dutch Harbor stands as a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, serving as a vital link between the United States and the Pacific Rim. Its bustling port is a lifeline for the fishing industry, with boats laden with salmon, crab, and cod returning daily to offload their bountiful catch. Fishermen brave the elements in pursuit of their livelihood and their stories are woven into the town’s lore. The harbor is prominently featured in the television series Deadliest Catch, which has originated there since 2005. Dutch Harbor is a top fishing port with more than a billion dollars transferred each year. Huge harvests of pollock and cod in the Bering Sea are part of this total. Almost all white fish for processing comes from this area, think fish sticks, fish sandwiches at fast food restaurants and boxed frozen fish at the grocer.
To say it is desolate, would be an understatement. Our ship was docked approximately two miles outside of town and we decided to hike into the village and explore. We stopped into a little saloon (Norvegian Rat Saloon) and enjoyed some pizza and beer and then took a walk around the multi-purpose store (Alaska Ship Supply) in town. The prices were very inflated given the proximity of the island. Our pizza was $48 and the beers equally as expensive. I have an example below of the Hershey Kisses in the store. Cost of living in Unalaska is quite high. While in the saloon, I noticed a poster for a fundraiser for families that had lost loved ones at sea. A stark reminder that the sea can be unforgiving and take what it wants at will. We saw so many eagles while we were in and around town, they are massive in size and they have access to all the sushi they want every day.
Sailing in and out of the area offered spectacular views of the Aleutian Islands and the surrounding area. We have now come to the point where the sun is setting well after 10 p.m. That will continue to be the case for the rest of our time at sea. I cannot believe that our journey is coming to an end after all these months. We are at sea again today on our way to Kodiak Island, Alaska.
