UPDATE (2/9/10): Discovery announces that Captain Phil Harris of Deadliest Catch has died
Phil Harris, known to fans of Discovery’s Deadliest Catch as captain of the crab fishing vessel Cornelia Marie, awoke Tuesday from the medically induced coma he was placed in following surgery for the stroke he suffered last Friday off-loading his boat in Alaska. “No one ever said Captain Phil Harris wasn’t tough,” his sons Josh and Jake say in a new statement released by the network. “Today, dad showed some good signs of improvement, squeezing our hands and even summoning his trademark Captain’s bluntness by telling the doctors and nurses, ‘Don’t f— up.’ We are encouraged but still very cautious. It is a long road ahead, but it’s made more bearable and comforting knowing your thoughts and prayers are with us. We are strong because of you — our fans. Thanks and we will continue to update you as best we can going forward.”
According to the Cornelia Marie‘s website, thousands of emails have been received from fans expressing their concern for the captain, his family, and his crew — many of whom have met Phil and his deckhand sons during promotional appearances supporting the show. Get well cards can be sent to the following address, where they’ll be handled by a good friend of the captain and delivered to him at a later date. Another good friend has taken over relief skipper duties on the Cornelia Marie.
Captain Phil Harris
PO Box 32466
Amarillo, TX 79120-2466
Photo Credit: Blair Bunting/Getty Images
You just keep your hands off those nurses until you’re strong enough to follow through! So glad you’re immediately talking the talk! Gives your sons something very positive to hold onto. Remember, your Harley awaits you – spring is just around the corner. Too bad it doesn’t have a double seat(!) I’d ask for a ride. Mom and I are big fans – Godspeed my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you..we know that you will pull through this with flying colors, and a boat full of crabs…give ‘em hell……..
GET BETTER MAN YOU ARE MY FAV ON THAT SHOW,CRAB BOAT WONT BE THE SAME.
I wish for a speed recory for Captain Phill, my husband and I do not miss a show, please come to visit and go to Disney World with us, it will make you feel better.
We Love you, get well soon!!!!
Ana, Orlando Florida
Get well, the show won’t be the same if you are not on it. We were sorry to hear about what happened. But know you will pull through with flying colors. God Bless and take care. You could always come to North Pole AK for a visit. We would love to see you.
Here’s hoping and praying for a speedy recovery Captain Phil!! You need to get well soon your family, crew, and fans all need you to stick around!!! Give those doctors some Hell;)
Hey Skipper,
You hang in there and get well. The crab business would not be the same without you.
Hey Phil, take what the drs says and listen, its tough, but its so we can get you back on the boat and fishin again. Love the show and your my favorite captain.
Great sons you have, keep up the love boys.
Get better soon Captain, in your own words i hope they don’t F— up
Man, that’s rough. My grandfather had a stroke last December, and it’s really hard to watch how much it has affected him. Obviously, every one is different, but even in a best-case scenario, they probably have a tough road ahead. Good luck to those guys.
GIVE’EM HELL CAP!!!!!!!! GOIN TO GET THOSE CRABS FROM THE WARF WONT BE THE SAME IF YOU AINT OUT THERE GETTIN THEM. GET BACK ON THE BOAT AND IN THAT CAPTAINS THRONE SOON!!!!!!!!! GET WELL!!!!!!!!!
get better soon, captain. i had a stroke in 2008 so i know what lies ahead for you but you are a tough guy. i was 41 and a woman who really never had to fight for anything but i made a full recovery. so i know if i can do it, phil can definitely do it.
Glad to hear Phil is doing better and just wanted to let you know all our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family while he recovers!!
Please stop smoking, Captain! We love you guys and we want you healthy! I know it’s hard, but do it for you and your boys!
Captain Phil, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this. My husband was in Iraq working for a Contractor and got DVT in his left leg, behind the knee, pieces brike off and two went into the right lung and one into the left lung, I came so close to losing him and through it all it brought us closer together than we had ever been. I think of you and your boys everyday and pray for a speedy recovery! Don’t let the small “stuff” get to you and remember to hold dear those around you, standing by your side, they are your true “family” and always will be. We love you as much as if you were a dear friend… all the seasons of Deadliest Catch have caused that, plus your winning personality!
Captain Phil, you, your family and crew are in our thoughts and paryaers. The whole family watches the show and we were saddened to hear about your stroke. e are hopeful you will make a full recovery and be back to supervise next seasons crab fishing! Go get ‘em and God Bless!
thats broke by the way…sorry
Get well soon Phil!!!