Dave Young Returns in Bering Sea Gold Season 19

When it comes to Discovery Channel’s hit series Bering Sea Gold, few names stir up as much intrigue as Dave Young. The show, which has been running since 2012, takes viewers deep into the icy waters of Nome, Alaska, where daring miners risk everything in search of gold hidden beneath the seafloor. Part adventure, part high-stakes business, the series has built a loyal following thanks to its blend of real danger, bold personalities, and the constant promise of striking it rich.

Since joining in Season 8 (2017), Dave Young has been one of those bold personalities. IMDb lists him as appearing in multiple seasons as himself, credited as the owner of Arctic Sea & Arctic Gold, a partner in Arctic Sea Mining, and an investor in Arctic Gold Mining. His business profile has made him both a financial backer and an on-the-ground operator in Nome’s competitive gold rush scene.

Dave’s journey started modestly. As Discovery notes, he first came to Nome with one of his brothers and began suction dredging on a small vessel called All About Nuggets. After getting his first taste of gold, he left behind small-scale dredging and set his sights higher—transforming himself into a mining magnate. Along with Ken Kerr, Dave famously purchased the old Nome Gold property, a move that stunned the mining community by taking it right out from under Shawn Pomrenke’s feet. Together, Dave and Kerr turned that inland property into Arctic Gold, while simultaneously running Arctic Sea Mining, which managed the 120-foot dredge Myrtle Irene.

Now, with Season 19 (2025), Dave’s story has come full circle—he’s officially back, this time steering Arctic Gold Mining without Kerr by his side. His return promises a fresh wave of rivalries, risks, and redemption in the unforgiving Bering Sea.

Who Is Dave Young?

Dave Young has been a familiar face on Bering Sea Gold since Season 8, where he stepped into the fray as a diver and mining entrepreneur. Alongside his brother George Young and business partner Ken Kerr, he invested in Nome’s major gold ventures: Arctic Sea Mining and Arctic Gold. Discovery has profiled how he and Kerr expanded operations by transforming inland mining into larger projects, including massive offshore ambitions.

With Ken Kerr no longer on the show, Season 19 positions Dave as the driving force behind Arctic Gold Mining, proving that he is still determined to compete in Nome’s cutthroat gold rush.

The Myrtle Irene Era (2018 Onwards)

In 2018, Dave and Kerr unveiled the massive dredge Myrtle Irene in Season 10. Costing an estimated $6 million, it was one of the largest vessels ever featured in the series. The 120-foot dredge was built to dominate Nome’s offshore mining industry, and as co-owner through Arctic Sea Mining, Dave oversaw its ambitious operations. While mechanical breakdowns and setbacks fueled on-screen drama, the Myrtle Irene cemented his reputation as someone willing to take big risks to strike gold.

Even as viewers debated whether the issues were real or exaggerated for television, one thing was clear—Dave Young had permanently raised the bar in Nome’s mining industry.

Rivalries and Alliances (2019–2021)

From 2019 through 2021, Bering Sea Gold amplified one of its most dramatic rivalries: Dave Young versus Shawn Pomrenke, better known as “Mr. Gold.” When Dave’s crew took over the old Nome Gold property and transformed it into Arctic Gold, tensions skyrocketed. Discovery confirmed that this move shifted the balance of power in Nome’s inland mining scene.

In Season 13 (2021), Shawn launched his biggest season yet, striking a high-pressure deal with Dave that came with a ticking clock. Shawn also made a strategic push to reconstruct the Myrtle Irene and take on the lucrative Tomcod claim, further intensifying the feud. These clashes became a cornerstone of the show, with the 2021 season premiere casting Dave as a legitimate threat to Shawn’s long-held dominance.

Paychecks and Stepping Away (2021)

During his main run, Dave reportedly earned between $10,000 and $25,000 per episode. By the end of 2021, however, his appearances grew less frequent, leading fans to believe he had quietly left the series.

Dave Young’s Return (2023–2025)

To the surprise of many, Dave resurfaced in Season 17 (2023) with appearances in episodes like New Recruits and Sea-ing Red. His comeback gained momentum in Season 19 (2025), with the premiere episode Going Deep (aired August 8, 2025) highlighting Arctic Gold Mining under his leadership—this time without Ken Kerr by his side.

The latest season confirmed that Dave Young is back at the center of the Nome gold rush, determined to prove himself once again.

Quick Facts About Dave Young

Aspect	Details
Roles	Diver, business owner, mining investor
First Dredge	All About Nuggets (early suction dredge, before large-scale operations)
Companies	Arctic Sea & Arctic Gold, Arctic Sea Mining, Arctic Gold Mining
Key Vessel	Myrtle Irene (launched 2018; 120-foot, ~$6M cost)
Show Involvement	Seasons 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19 (2017–2025)
Earnings (est.)	$10,000–$25,000 per episode
Rivalries	Shawn Pomrenke; deal-making clashes and Tomcod claim disputes
Legacy	From small-time dredging to mining magnate; raised the stakes with Myrtle Irene, now leading Arctic Gold Mining solo