UPDATE (2/9/10): Discovery announces that Captain Phil Harris of Deadliest Catch has died
Phil Harris, captain of the crab fishing boat the Cornelia Marie, underwent surgery Saturday night as a result of the stroke he suffered last Friday while in port off-loading at St. Paul Island in Alaska. The Discovery Channel, which has documented the Cornelia Marie’s adventures on the Bering Sea for five seasons on the Emmy-winning series Deadliest Catch, has issued the following statement on behalf of Phil’s sons, Josh and Jake, who are with him. ”Josh and Jake Harris thank everyone for their heartfelt thought and prayers. The Deadliest Catch community has always been more like family than just fans, and Discovery Channel joins the Harris boys in thanking everyone for their wishes of support. Captain Phil is resting comfortably and is in the care of excellent doctors and nurses. We will update everyone on his progress as best we can.”
An update on the Cornelia Marie‘s website says it may be some time before fans know anything substantial about Phil’s condition. A family friend, Derek Ray, has taken over the role of skipper for the remainder of the Opilio crab season. In 2008, a blood clot that traveled up his leg and into his lungs took Phil out of his chair. Discovery’s cameras filmed him in the hospital and on his triumphant but tense return.
thats great! feel better soon phil!
Good, I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery
Smooth seas and trailing winds, Cap’n
Aye, mate! [but seriously, get better Phil, we're all rooting for ya]
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Captain.
He’s so lucky he didn’t have that stroke while they were far out at sea. Good luck.
phil’s sons are real jackholes.
Phil we are all pulling for you!! God Speed
Funny that I have to come here and get the news and not our local Anchorage Daily News
Please get well soon, you’ve always been one of my favorite captain’s on the show!! Love and Bless you and your family!!
Wonder if he’ll quit smoking now.
Yoe jerk!!!
To “Porter1986″. .This was extremely rude and insensitive to use this medium for your selfish advertising, given the gravity of the situation.
To Capt. Phil and family, our prayers are with you as you recover and we are looking forward to your return to the seas!
Capt. Phil I hope that you have a speedy and complete recovery. You are truly my favorite Captain on Deadliest Catch. Also, I work at a Rehab Hospital in Mobile, Alabama if you need some Physical Therapy to speed up your recovery!!
Get better Phil…as much as we’d miss you on the show, your health is way more important. Take it easy.
Prayers are with you and your family, Phil! Hopefully, this will finally convince you to stop smoking and take care of yourself! I’ll never forget when he was initially rushed to the hospital the first time, he left his room to smoke in front of the hospital.
What up?
thoughts and prayers are w/you and your family as you recover.