"Deadliest Catch" Turns Deadly for Popular Captain

In the Bering Sea, some of the world's toughest men work one of the most dangerous, grimiest jobs possible. These hard-working crab anglers make a living riding the sea, pillaging her depths for the crustaceans that bring their fortunes, at least for another season. The search for crab gold sends fathers and sons into treacherous weather and seas and it all unfolds on Discovery's "Deadliest Catch." In February 2010, one of these fathers and one of the show's favorite sea captains, Captain Phil Harris, made his last voyage into the Bering Sea.

Captain Phil, as thousands of viewers and his crew affectionately called him, was the tough but lovable captain of the Cornelia Marie. Since 2005, viewers have watched the tough captain lead his two sons Jake and Josh Harris, along with a small crew into the Bering Sea for Alaska King Crab and Opilio crab season. Phil Harris worked for over 32 years in the fishing industry and captained his own boat for 18 of those.

In recent years, Captain Phil had to deal with health issues ranging from cracked ribs, the effects of heavy smoking to the massive stroke that finally took his life. The stroke occurred on January 29, 2010 while the crew was unloading the Cornelia Marie after an Opilio-fishing trip.

After a lengthy surgery, Captain Phil Harris was placed in a medical coma but did regain consciousness. He spent several days talking and sharing with his family and friends before his passing on February 9. 2010. Phil was 53 years old.

Today, the Cornelia Marie has a temporary captain, Derrick Ray. Ray is a family friend who previously skippered his own boat the Milky Way.

"Deadliest Catch" airs on the Discovery Channel. The air date and time have not yet been released for the new season. This live-action show is currently filming and will release new episodes sometime in the late spring or summer. Discovery reports that Captain Harris' sons Josh and Jake will be featured in the new episodes.

"Deadliest Catch" has created fan tribute site for well-wishers who want to leave messages to the family and friends of Captain Phil Harris. Video footage, trivia and the latest family news are updated on the site regularly.

Discovery Channel: Captain Phil Harris