KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
As news of Captain Phil Harris’s death spreads across the nation and overseas, an out-pouring of condolences are being showered on the family and friends of the fishing captain.
The 53 year old captain of the fishing vessel Cornelia Marie died this week in Anchorage. He was hospitalized there following the stroke he suffered January 29th while offloading his catch on Saint Paul Island.
Harris underwent surgery in Anchorage and was thought to be improving before his death on Tuesday.
Harris was well-known and well-liked by watchers of the Discovery Channel’s show, "The Deadliest Catch." Following news of his death, thousands of comments have been posted to the Deadliest Catch website as well as the website of "The Cornelia Marie." Harris lived in Washington State when he wasn’t fishing for crab in the Bering Sea. Kodiak has long been the home port of his fishing vessel which is owned by Cornelia Marie Devlin of Anchorage.
Devlin’s phone has been ringing off the wall since the death of Harris, her long-time business partner and friend. Suddenly flung into the spotlight, Devlin said that she’s always preferred working in the background of their crab fishing operation. She said that it was Phil who always knew what to say and who was comfortable "out front." Devlin went on to say that she loves having her boat home-ported in Kodiak and that Harris and the crew always enjoyed returning to Saint Herman’s harbor. She said that she appreciates the kindness that friends in Kodiak are showing during this difficult time.
— (Cornelia Devlin "Kodiak’s always … was fishing.")
Fans of Harris will have more opportunities to see the captain at work in future episodes of "The Deadliest Catch." Before his illness, Discovery Channel Film crews were recording life on the Cornelia Marie for airing next season.
