Phil Harris of Deadliest Catch Suffers Stroke

Phil Harris, one of the most popular captains of the Deadliest Catch, has reportedly suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care in an Alaskan hospital. The Discovery Channel released a statement saying, "Phil Harris suffered a stroke while in port off-loading from the F/V Cornelia Marie. He has been transported to a medical facility and is receiving the best care possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we will make more information available as we know it."

The Deadliest Catch became a cult hit the moment that it hit television screens several years ago. The lure of the hit Discovery Channel series allows viewers to travel the deadly waters of the Bering Sea with the crab boat fishermen who literally risk their lives every day that they go to work. This is not a job for the meek or mild, but the public has fallen in love with this reality show right from the start.

One of the beloved of all characters is Capt. Phil Harris of the F/V Cornelia Marie. While many of the captain's personalities have created some dislike from different sectors of the fan base, Capt. Phil seems to be a favorite of everyone. It is almost like watching your father out there trying to make a living in front of the world. No doubt, one of his most endearing features is the fact that he has both of his sons out there with him every day. Try as he must, he never seems to be able to quite separate himself from the role of being a father when he has to discipline them as their captain. This is the one quality that makes him so real to viewers.

Regular viewers are very much aware that Capt. Phil has been having health issues for several years. It was only two seasons ago when he had to leave the boat to be admitted to the hospital for what he assumed was broken ribs. As it turned out, it was a blood clot that had worked its way up and through his heart. He has been warned about smoking, but the seas continued to take their toll on him and it was only a matter of time before he lit back up again.