'Deadliest Catch' Captain Phil Harris Dies

By Bryan Alexander Posted Feb 10th 2010 02:48AM

Phil Harris, the fishing boat captain from television's wildly popular reality series 'The Deadliest Catch' has died.

The deep-sea fisherman, 53, suffered a stroke on Jan. 29 while in an Alaskan port off-loading a catch. He was flown to Anchorage for surgery and showed signs of recovery through the days following, but ultimately succumbed to the trauma.

"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad - Captain Phil Harris," his sons Jake and Josh Harris said in a statement posted on the Discovery Channel Web site. "Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end. For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down."

The reality show, which has filmed five seasons, has been one of the Discovery Channel's most popular. Harris was a central figure for this drama featuring the ageless tale of man taking on the elements. It depicts the crab fishing industry in the dangerous waters off Alaska.

In a statement, Discovery Channel senior vice president Elizabeth Hillman says, "Phil was a devoted father and loyal friend to all who knew him."

"We will miss his straightforward honesty, wicked sense of humor and enormous heart," she said.

Harris had been showing signs of recovery from the stroke. His sons wrote in a Feb. 3 posting on the ship's Web site: "No one ever said Captain Phil Harris wasn't tough. Today, dad showed some good signs of improvement, squeezing our hands and even summoning his trademark Captain's bluntness ... We are encouraged, but still very cautious."

Harris began working on a fishing boat at age 7, and by the time he was 21, he was running a fishing vessel out of Seattle.

Comments

(869)

Wednesday 10 February

By longilslandmamma

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

My deepest sympathy & condolences to the entire Harris family,Jake, Josh, Phil's poor mourning wife-and extended loved ones. Oh,my he will be missed! Not only for Us who didnt even know him; just admired him. He was a True Dying Breed,A Master Fisherman. He loved his work;His Work was his Love.. And his pure pride in his son's was obvious. The "Cornelia Maria" is now a widow. Loved ya Phil, Rest in Peace.

By Semi-Fan

I actually never saw the show. I have seen it lampooned by a few shows that make fun of reality shows like this though, and all indicators point to this man being a good, hard working man who faced the perils of the sea daily to make a living for himself and his family. I also know the pain of the loss of family, and for all of this, my deelest sympathy goes out to his family. I offer my prayers and best wishes that the family carry on his legacy, with the same drive and spirit in which he ran this very challenging business. Keep moving forward. Sound words, for a tough time. My best to all.

By Karen Henson

Oh my, I shed many a tear today for a captain of a vessel I never knew but admired by a viewer of "Deadliest Catch". Captain Phil Harris will be sadly missed by those who loved him, knew him and watched him on the show. May he rest in peace and his soul make its way to the sea where his body always seemed to be. Indeed, indeed the "Cornelia Marie" is a widow now but may she still sail in the hands of his beloved sons in honor of her once wonderful captain. Again may Captain Phil Harris rest in peace!

By Vicki

Very eloquently put, I couldn't have said it any better myself. Rest In Peace, Captain Phil Harris.

By TOM

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Harris family. I enjoyed every moment watching Captain Phil and his sons doing what they LOVED. God Bless you all..
Tom

By wanda

Capt. Harris was the best. He ran a tight ship,but they had a little fun. My deepest sympathy to his family. R.I.P

By BrandyPa

I want to second all you said. I loved watching Captain Phil & he was my favorite. May his family stay strong. R.I.P. Caption Phil you will be missed.

By Gutsy

A hard living man ...I'm amazed he was only 53.
RIP, Cap'n.

By chris

This was an amazing guy. I loved watching the show. He was a great captin and he will be greatly missed. RIP

Monday 15 February

By Kayla

Vote down Vote up Report this

I don't believe that the words that so many try to utter could have been said much more eloquently. RIP, Captain Phil. You were truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed. You never pretended to be someone you weren't, just because there were cameras. You're honesty and unwillingness to change who you were for anything was something to be admired and respected. Hopefully, we can all find solace in that you no longer must bear the pains of this world, and that your family and friends will be able to see you again some day. Rest in peace, good sir. Rest in peace.

By Captain B

RIP good sir

By jujiudeuke

Now this was a man who seemed to live life the way he wanted. RIP Captain Phil. I truly enjoyed watching your crew and you hunt for the "DEADLIEST CATCH". You will be missed.

By Edwards

He was my favorite person on the show!!! He will be missed in my household!!! REST PEACCFULLY CAPTAIN!!!

By cgait

I loved the show and enjoyed watching Phil. You are going to be missed. Condolences to your family and your friends.

By coolfl33

Josh and Jake you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a fighter and ya'll were lucky to have such a great relationship.
I lost my Daddy on Novermber 2, 2007 and it is hard. Stay beside each other and continue to fight like your Dad would want you to do.

By deborah725

My husband and I are long time followers of The Deadliest Catch, and Capt Phil Harris. He was one of our favorite Captains showing only his true self. He never sugar coated anything for TV. His boys,crew and the rest of his family is in our thoughts and prayers. Capt. Phil will definitely missed. RIP Phil!

By HEATHER & TERRY

My wife and I feel exactly the same. May Jake & Josh continue on with the show in the same spirt as Capt. Phil Harris, for he will always be right there with them. Our deepest Sympathy & Condolences to Mrs Harris, Jake, Josh, and the rest of their family at such a sad time. May Captain Phil's spirt carry them all forward in their own lives.

By Karen

My husband and I always had a "date" on Tuesday nights to watch Deadliest Catch. My husband, who loved to fish, passed away a year ago but I still carry on our Tuesday night tradition. My thoughts and prayers are with Captain Phil's family, friends and co-workers. God Speed.

By arizonaoso

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Heather and Terry you are quite correct. Capt. was a good man, a hard but fair boss, and a fine individual. Our world would be a better place if he were still with us. You will be missed brother. Both my sons cried upon the news....

By SwingingDick

We will miss you Captain Phil Harris you are in a much better place. RIP Capt Phil

Page 1 of 44