ering Sea Gold is a captivating reality television series that first premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2012. Set against the harsh yet potentially lucrative backdrop of Nome, Alaska, the show follows a diverse group of gold miners who brave the frigid waters of the Bering Sea in search of underwater gold deposits. Unlike traditional land-based mining, these adventurous individuals utilize various unconventional methods, from custom-built dredges and barges to smaller diving operations, to extract precious metals from the seabed. The series documents their daily struggles, triumphs, mechanical breakdowns, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition, showcasing the immense challenges and the high stakes involved in this dangerous profession. It highlights the raw determination and often eccentric personalities of those willing to risk everything for a golden payday.
Shawn Pomrenke
Often dubbed “Mr. Gold,” Shawn Pomrenke is arguably the most successful and recognizable figure on Bering Sea Gold. As the co-owner of the formidable Christine Rose dredge, he inherited a legacy of mining from his father, Steve Pomrenke. Shawn is known for his aggressive mining strategies, relentless pursuit of large gold hauls, and his innovative approach to dredge operations. He has consistently pulled in millions of dollars worth of gold, solidifying his reputation as a top earner in Nome. Despite his success, Shawn has faced personal challenges, including past legal troubles. His journey on the show has been defined by his ambition to expand his mining empire, often investing in larger and more advanced equipment to maximize his yield from the rich Bering Sea seabed.
Shawn Pomrenke’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This figure reflects his substantial earnings from years of successful gold mining, significant gold hauls (including one reported to be over $1.1 million), and his compensation from appearing on Bering Sea Gold.
Steve Pomrenke Net Worth
Steve Pomrenke is the patriarch of the Pomrenke mining dynasty and Shawn’s father. A seasoned veteran of the gold industry, Steve is a highly skilled mechanic and a pioneer in Nome’s unique underwater gold mining scene. He played a crucial role in establishing the family’s success with the Christine Rose, passing down invaluable knowledge and a strong work ethic to his son. While Shawn often takes the lead on the dredge, Steve remains an integral part of the operation, particularly in managing the complex machinery and providing strategic advice. His calm demeanor and vast experience offer a stark contrast, and often a grounding influence, to Shawn’s more impetuous nature.
Steve Pomrenke’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His long career in mining, smart investments, and his role in building the lucrative Pomrenke family business contribute significantly to this impressive figure, along with his earnings from the television series.
Emily Riedel Net Worth
Emily Riedel stands out as a unique and determined figure in the male-dominated world of Bering Sea gold mining. Initially pursuing a career as an opera singer, Emily’s unexpected foray into gold mining began as a deckhand on Zeke Tenhoff’s dredge. Her intelligence, resilience, and willingness to learn quickly led her to become the first female dredge owner in Nome, captaining her own vessel, The Eroica. Emily’s journey has been marked by overcoming gender stereotypes, navigating challenging mechanical issues, and building her own team. She shares a complex on-again-off-again relationship with fellow miner Zeke Tenhoff and has recently embraced motherhood, welcoming a daughter named Evelyn with her husband, Alex Trokey.
Emily Riedel’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. Her significant success as a dredge owner, her growing gold hauls, and her consistent presence on Bering Sea Gold have contributed to her financial standing.
Zeke Tenhoff Net Worth
Zeke Tenhoff is a self-taught miner known for his innovative, albeit sometimes chaotic, approach to gold dredging. He rose to prominence on the show through his early operations on dredges like The Clark and later The Edge. Zeke’s story on Bering Sea Gold has been a turbulent one, marked by his ingenuity in building his own equipment, his sometimes volatile relationship with Emily Riedel, and deeply personal struggles. He has openly dealt with issues of depression and addiction, particularly after the tragic death of his friend and fellow miner, John Bunce. Despite his challenges, Zeke remains a persistent and resourceful character, constantly seeking new ways to find gold in the unpredictable Bering Sea.
Zeke Tenhoff’s net worth is not widely reported with a definitive figure. His earnings are primarily derived from his gold finds and his compensation as a prominent cast member on Bering Sea Gold, which can range from $10,000 to $25,000 per episode. Based on his long tenure on the show and gold hauls, his net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Vernon Adkison Net Worth
Vernon Adkison, often referred to as “Gold Daddy,” is a colorful and ambitious figure who entered the Nome gold rush with big aspirations. A former Merchant Marine and commercial ship pilot, Vernon brought a professional, if sometimes overly optimistic, approach to his mining operations. He is the owner and captain of the dredge Wild Ranger, a vessel known for its elaborate setup and equally elaborate problems. Vernon’s tenure on the show has been characterized by grand plans, significant financial investments, and frequent mechanical setbacks. Despite facing near bankruptcy and often struggling to find consistent gold, Vernon’s determination and unwavering belief in striking it rich keep him returning to the Bering Sea.
Vernon Adkison’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. This average considers reports of his pre-mining wealth, his investments in the Wild Ranger, and his earnings from his appearances on Bering Sea Gold.
Kris Kelly Net Worth
Kris Kelly is a determined young miner who moved from Hawaii to Nome to pursue gold with his father, Brad Kelly, and brother, Andy Kelly. Together, they operate the dredge The Reaper. Kris is known for his optimistic outlook, his relentless work ethic, and his unwavering loyalty to his family’s operation. Their journey on the show often highlights the struggles of a smaller, family-run business trying to compete with larger dredges. Kris frequently faces equipment breakdowns, financial pressures, and the intense challenges of working alongside family in high-stress situations. Despite the hardships, his persistence and belief in hitting a paystreak keep him motivated.
Kris Kelly’s net worth is not widely reported with a definitive figure, but his earnings come from his share of the gold found on The Reaper and his salary from Bering Sea Gold. Cast members like Kris typically earn between $10,000 to $25,000 per episode. Based on his consistent role and efforts on the show, his net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Steve Riedel Net Worth
Steve Riedel, Emily Riedel’s father, is an eccentric and often controversial figure in the Nome mining community. Known for his unconventional methods and often unreliable nature, Steve has captained dredges like The Minnow and has been featured on the spin-off series Bering Sea Gold: Steve’s World on Ice. His relationship with Emily is complex, often strained by his erratic behavior, yet he remains a memorable part of her mining journey. Steve is infamous for his “renegade” style, often being late for work or pursuing highly speculative claims. Despite his quirks, he possesses a deep understanding of the Bering Sea and its potential, often providing comic relief or unexpected insights.
Steve Riedel’s net worth is not widely reported with a definitive figure. His income is derived from his occasional gold finds and his compensation from appearing on Bering Sea Gold, which has been rumored to be around $20,000 per season. Given his less consistent mining success and show appearances compared to others, his net worth is estimated to be in the lower hundreds of thousands of dollars.