Capt. Phil Ordered 'Catch' Cameras to Roll at Hospital

By PopEater Staff Posted Feb 17th 2010 08:48AM

The TV crew for 'Deadliest Catch' was there "the entire time" for Capt. Phil Harris' final days, from when he suffered a stroke on the Cornelia Marie to his near-recovery in the hospital before his death Feb. 9, an official from the popular show told EW. The Harris family will decide whether any of the footage will make it to air, but according to 'Catch' producer Thom Beers, Capt. Phil told the cameraman to keep rolling while he was on his death bed because "we need a great finish" to the show.

Beers said everyone was surprised when Harris awoke from a medically induced coma on Feb. 2 following emergency surgery. But when he did, he snapped right back into Capt. Phil mode.

"When he came out, he was trying to talk," Beers recalled. "He couldn't, but he was motioning with his hand to my producer and cameraman. We said we want to give you your space and get out, and he wrote on a piece of paper. It said, 'No, we need a great finish to this story,'"

He added with a laugh: "He's just come out of a coma, and he's producing [the show]."

Harris told the doctors and nurses that were treating him, "Don't f**k up."

Discovery will pay tribute to Capt. Phil this Saturday with a 15-hour 'Deadliest Catch' marathon beginning at noon ET. According EW, Beers will be crafting a tribute special to Harris that he hopes to air in April.

Harris' sons Josh and Jake plan to spread their dad's ashes out on the Bering Sea during crab season this fall.

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.

Tags: deadliest catch, DeadliestCatch, phil harris

Comments

(72)

Thursday 25 February

By Tonya,Scott and 3 sons

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My family and I watch this show religously,when I found out today of Phils passing I cried.We feel as though we know the people on the show,or hearts are heavy today,our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.He is now watching over his boys from above,that is his new job.

By John C. Salzman Sr.

I am so sorry for your loss guys.
I loved the show and thought your father was the best he will be surely missed by all. I wanted to something for your family so I went to your web sight and ordered from your store I will be proud to were your ships name. I think all should show their support by doing the same. God bless you Josh&Jake.
John

Sunday 28 February

By Jerry

I watched the the show and acctually feel I would have wanted to do that Capt. Phil was a good man and good fisherman and thank you hard working men for bringing Crab to the table love it. If they didn't what woud they DO?

Monday 05 April

By kitty

IN LOVING MEMORY FOR CAPTAIN PHIL HARRIS;

death leaves a heartache,no one can heal
love leaves a memory,no can steal,
thinking of you capt. phil with love today
and always!!!! hey josh & jake hope all is going well for you boys. i'm so looking forward to april 13, your next season.
there was something about your dad, i will always keep him in my heart. i am a wife of a late fisherman..i know how you feel. take care boys, you rock!! CAPTAIN PHIL, I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE

Wednesday 14 April

By realist

Thought the world of Capt. Phil. He was one of those people that you thought of as a friend even though you had met in person. Josh and Jake, remember the things your father tried to teach you. Not just the fishing part, but the part about life. You have all those clips to reflect on. Don't run from them, use then. That is a gift most people can't have. Honor his memory, don't bring dishonor to his good name. There are thousands of people on your side pulling for both of you to be successful in life. Our Prayers are with you and your family.

By keep as is

I,also, have watched Deadliest Catch from season one. I took to the Cornelia Marie as if it was my family on there. Capt. Phil Harris was amazing, not only as a Capt, but as a father. He is missed. Wish the best of luck to the Harris boys.

By Laura

I lost my dad when he was just 42 I was very young and the void has never been filled to this day. All I can say is that the hurt and pain will subside somewhat over time, but the emptiness will be with you forever, just remember the times you had. Captain Phil may the waters be calm, the weather be nice, and you always be "on the crab". RIP and my condolences to the Harris family and the Deadliest Catch family as well...

By Janine

You will be missed capt. phil! It won't be the same without you. where ever you are i hope you have calm seas!

Friday 14 May

By Ann ward

My husband and I will miss Capt. Harris very much. He and his boys brought a real Family touch to the show. You could tell he really loved his boys and the job they did. Boys keep up the good work for your Dad. I think he would want you to do that for him and yourselfs.We will miss him greatly. We love that show.
But most of all try to be SAFE.
A Friend Ann

Thursday 17 June

By Tina

Captain Phil will be sadly missed! Prayers to his family that miss him. He lives on thru his boys. Love the show! Rest in Peace Phil.

By Billy

WELL FIRST OFF SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
SECOND I KNOW YOUR POPS ON A BOAT THAT ROCKING IN HEAVEN
BECAUSE HE WAS A COOL DUDE GENTLE MAN AND SPOKE WITH WISDOM.
THIRD YOU GUYS GOT IT IN YOUR BLOOD SO CARRY ON

GOOD LUCK AND TONS OF CRAB BE IN SHIP

Monday 28 June

By angie

i have a job where i work days and nights,so i miss some of the shows,but when i get a chance to watch them i do,i love the show,everyone is my favorite,i too know how it is to love the open waters of fishing or crabbing just like his kids,yes im female and i loved it when i went out on the shrimpboats when i was growin up in a small twn out side Darien Ga.i didnt get to experence all the things the guys on the show did,but i still have a good insite on what it means to have that killer catch,its a make or break industury,the sea will love you or hate you at once,im sorry to know that one of the most love capts from the DEADLIEST CATCH has past on he will be greatly missed and he was very muched loved by his fans and his crew,SMOOTH SAILIN ON ANGELS WINGS CAPT PHIL HARRIS

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