The Unsinkable Legacy: 5 Shocking Facts About Captain Phil Harris's Tragic Death And The Cornelia Marie Today
Captain Phil Harris: A Complete Biographical Profile
Phillip Charles Harris was a quintessential Bering Sea veteran, a man who spent the majority of his life battling the elements and chasing the King and Opilio crab populations.
- Full Name: Phillip Charles Harris
- Born: December 19, 1956
- Birthplace: Bothell, Washington, U.S.
- Died: February 9, 2010 (Age 53)
- Cause of Death: Intracranial Hemorrhage (Massive Stroke)
- Spouse: Mary Harris (Divorced)
- Children: Josh Harris and Jake Harris
- Vessel: F/V *Cornelia Marie* (Captain and Part Owner)
- Career Highlights: Began fishing at age 15, captained the *Cornelia Marie* for over 20 years, and was a key figure on *Deadliest Catch* from 2005 until his death.
- Legacy: Author of the posthumously released book, *Captain Phil Harris: The Legendary Crab Fisherman, Our Hero, Our Dad*.
The Tragic Timeline: How Captain Phil Harris Died
The events leading up to Captain Phil Harris’s death were dramatically captured on film during the sixth season of *Deadliest Catch*, providing a raw and unprecedented look at a fisherman’s life-and-death struggle.
The Stroke Onboard the F/V Cornelia Marie
The incident occurred on January 29, 2010, while the F/V *Cornelia Marie* was docked at St. Paul Island, Alaska, offloading a catch of Opilio crab. Phil Harris had been complaining of a severe headache earlier that day. While in his cabin, he suffered a massive stroke, technically an intracranial hemorrhage, which is bleeding within the brain.
His son, Jake Harris, was the first to find him in distress and immediately alerted the crew. The quick response was crucial in getting him initial medical attention. He was soon airlifted from St. Paul to Anchorage, Alaska, for emergency treatment.
The Brave, Final Days in Anchorage
For several days, Captain Harris remained in a medically induced coma while doctors worked to reduce the swelling in his brain. The world watched as his sons, Josh Harris and Jake Harris, maintained a vigil at his bedside. In a moment of hope, Phil briefly awoke from the coma, showing signs of his trademark fighting spirit. He was reportedly able to speak with his sons and squeeze their hands. The family, the Discovery Channel, and fans were optimistic about his recovery.
Tragically, his condition deteriorated rapidly. On February 9, 2010, surrounded by his closest family and friends, Captain Phil Harris passed away at the age of 53. The episode detailing his death, including the emotional farewells from his sons, became one of the most-watched and deeply felt segments in the show's history, solidifying his status as an unforgettable icon of the Bering Sea.
The Unsinkable Legacy: The Fate of the Cornelia Marie and Harris Sons
Phil Harris’s death left a massive void, not only in the *Deadliest Catch* lineup but also on the deck of the F/V *Cornelia Marie*. The boat, which he co-owned, and his sons, Josh and Jake, became the focus of a new, complex narrative about carrying on a legend.
1. The Battle for the Cornelia Marie
After Phil Harris’s passing, the ownership of the *Cornelia Marie* became complicated. Phil had been a part owner, and his share passed to his sons. However, the vessel briefly disappeared from *Deadliest Catch* as the Harris family worked to secure the necessary financing and control to keep the boat fishing.
Josh Harris, Phil's eldest son, eventually took on the monumental task of restoring the *Cornelia Marie* to its former glory. He secured a loan and, through years of hard work and determination, bought out the remaining ownership shares to become the principal captain and co-owner. This journey to honor his father's memory and keep the family name on the boat became a central storyline for subsequent seasons of the show.
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2. Josh Harris: The Captain Who Stepped Up
Josh Harris's transformation from a green deckhand to a seasoned captain is Phil Harris’s most enduring legacy. He faced immense pressure and skepticism from other veteran captains in the fleet. He brought in experienced mentors, such as Captain Casey McManus, to help him navigate the challenges of the Bering Sea and the complexities of running a multi-million dollar crab operation.
His commitment to the *Cornelia Marie* is a testament to the lessons learned from his father. Despite numerous mechanical failures, financial setbacks, and the inherent dangers of Alaskan crab fishing, Josh has successfully kept the boat fishing, ensuring the Harris name remains synonymous with the industry.
3. Jake Harris: The Struggle After the Loss
The death of Captain Phil Harris had a devastating effect on his younger son, Jake Harris. While he initially worked alongside Josh, Jake struggled significantly with personal issues, including a well-documented battle with drug addiction.
His struggles led him to step away from the *Cornelia Marie* and the *Deadliest Catch* show. His journey has been marked by legal troubles and arrests, a heartbreaking contrast to the path his brother Josh took. While Josh continues to honor their father's legacy on the water, Jake's story serves as a tragic reminder of the immense emotional toll the high-pressure, dangerous lifestyle can take on the families of those who work the Bering Sea.
4. The Book: A Final, Unfiltered Voice
In 2013, Josh and Jake Harris published the book *Captain Phil Harris: The Legendary Crab Fisherman, Our Hero, Our Dad*. The book was an exclusive, authorized biography that offered fans an unfiltered look into the life of the colorful captain, filled with "outrageous tales" and personal stories that went beyond his television persona. It provided a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the man who lived life without restraint, further cementing his place in maritime history.
5. The Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Silent Killer
Phil Harris's cause of death—an intracranial hemorrhage—is a stark reminder of the non-fishing-related dangers faced by those in the industry. While the Bering Sea is known for its brutal weather and dangerous equipment, the stress, long hours, poor diet, and high-pressure environment of the crab season can take a severe toll on a captain's health. His stroke, which occurred while the boat was safely in port, highlighted a different kind of "deadly catch"—the cumulative health risks of a life spent at sea.
Captain Phil Harris was a giant among fishermen, a true original whose legacy continues to inspire and caution those who dare to challenge the Bering Sea. His life, and the enduring saga of the *Cornelia Marie*, remains a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy.
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