Written by Tom Roberts

I am saddening to learn this morning of the death of Captain Phil Harris, of the F/V Cornelia Marie, star of the Discovery Channels’ reality show, Deadliest Catch. Harris passed away February 9, 2010. He was 53.

A commercial fishing veteran of 32 years, and captain of the Cornelia Marie for nearly two decades, Phil Harris suffered a stroke while off-loading his vessel at St. Paul Island, Alaska, on January 29th, and had been in a medically induced coma following emergency surgery.

When first watching the show five seasons ago, it quickly became apparent that Captain Harris knew his business. His dedication to hard work made his vessel one of the most productive and profitable for his crew, and his no nonsense approach kept his deckhands safe. Described in obituaries today as gruff, surly and acerbic, underneath these outward appearances I interpreted genuine care and concern for the safety of those put in his charge.

“This is the real deal—and people really die,” said Harris in a clip for Deadliest Catch, and he well knew the fine line the Bering Sea exacts between living or dying. Perhaps this fine line is what has made the series such a success. No behind the scenes manipulation is required to make this reality show fascinating. The back-breaking labors of the crews, their personalities, and the occasional moments of raw fear of Mother Nature captured by the cameras allow you a glimpse into a life so foreign to all those that sit at desks and computers, drawing boards and easels.

I extended my condolences to Jake and Josh Harris, the entire Harris family, the crew of the F/V Cornelia Marie, along with sympathy to the crews of F/V Northwestern, F/V Wizard, F/V Time Bandit, and the other vessels and crews that fished beside Phil; and thoughts to all those who worked the decks for Phil Harris, and were returned to port safely by his knowledge and vigilance.

Rest in peace, Captain Harris.

Phil Harris (1957-2010)