It was with genuine sorrow that I read of the passing of Capt. Phil Harris today. Capt. Phil was the skipper of the vessel Cornelia Marie, featured on the Discovery Channel's reality show: "The Deadliest Catch". Between his ship and the crews of other crab vessels (Northwestern, Time Bandit, Wizard, Incentive, Lisa Marie and the Trailblazer), they introduced the viewing public to the harsh and unforgiving world of commercial crabbing, in some of the world's most dangerous and unpredictable waters for mariners: the Bering Sea.
Capt. Phil was 53 years of age, when he succumbed to a massive heart attack, as his vessel offloaded it's catch of Alaskan crab at St.Paul's Island, Alaska. He was a constant on the show and was joined by his two sons Josh and Jake. There was never any mistaking who was the Master on that boat and Phil didn't play favorites. They were a humorous lot and the love they shared was evident. True to the breed, I have no doubt that Capt. Phil partied as hard as he worked. That's normally the way for those who "go down to the sea in ships". It's unfortunate that this lifestyle doesn't normally lead to a life of longevity.
I have not had the chance to watch the show in some time now, sad to say. Doubtless his presence will be greatly noted and deeply missed, by all those who have grown to love this show. My very heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his crew and those who knew him in real life.
Sail on, young man.
I wish you fair winds and following seas, always.
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