Posted on 02/10/2010 4:03:19 AM PST by TexasCajun
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Phil Harris, the fishing boat captain whose adventures off the Alaska coast were captured on the television show "Deadliest Catch", has died, the Discovery Channel said Tuesday night. He was 53.
Harris suffered what his family described as a massive stroke on Jan. 29 while the fishing vessel he captained, Cornelia Marie, was in port at St. Paul Island, Alaska. The fisherman was flown to Anchorage for surgery.
The reality show, which has filmed five seasons, has been one of the Discovery Channel's most popular and depicts the crab fishing industry in the dangerous waters off Alaska.
"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad - Captain Phil Harris. Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end," sons Josh and Jake Harris said in a statement released by the network. "For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Be strong boys.
My best friend’s son was on the first year’s episodes.
The docs told him he would die on the boat if he got on it again.
He was not looking very healthy the past year. Sorry to hear that he passed though.
I am so sorry to hear of Captain Phil’s death. He was my favorite Captain.
RIP Captain Phil.
May he rest in peace, and prayers for the Harris family.
Yes indeed they did. But, a man like him and the other captains are workoholics when it comes to those crabs and thier F/V.
I am sure he was told numerous times by family and friends to slow down....but it was impossible for him being the type of man he was.
RIP Cap.
This is really too bad. He sure was a character! We’ll all miss him on the show, that’s for sure. I’m sure his sons are hurting. You could tell they were a close family. All the Lord’s blessings to the Harris family.
...working in a family business is not always the easiest.
RIP indeed.
LLS
Yes he was. He was definately the most colorful. I just loved him. Jake and Josh will be ok. With the help of Murray, I am sure they will carry on as capable Captains.
Cornilia Marie Devlin and the boys have a lot to talk about for sure.
Very sad, I did enjoy that show. Of course, Capn’ Harris smoked like a chimney and lived on Red Bull so I guess it wasn’t unexpected. But condolences t family and friends.
Rarely watched the show but I remember that.
Prayers go out to his family and friends.
Between the Ice Road Truckers, and Deadest Catch they make a different breed of men up in the North country.
That tough-guy life extends only so far....RIP, Capt.
So sorry to hear this. Capt. Phil was a tough but fair man. RIP Capt!
Sad news. Phil was one of my husband’s favorites on that show. Prayers for the family.
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