Maritime Law Blog

The Discovery Channel has announced that fishing boat captain Phil Harris whose commercial fishing ventures were featured on the reality TV series “Deadliest Catch” has died. The show airs in 170 countries and has made the general public aware of the dangerous and icy conditions that commercial fishermen face on a daily basis.  

 
Fifty-three year old Harris suffered a stroke in January while he was off loading his fishing vessel, the Cornelia Marie, while in port at St. Paul Island, Alaska. He was taken to an Anchorage hospital for treatment. A February 3rd posting on the Discovery Channel’s web site let viewers know that Harris was recovering, but it was announced late on February 9 that he had died.  

 
Harris had been a fisherman for 33 years and was the captain of the Cornelia Marie for 19 years. He fished for king and Opilio crab in the perilous waters of the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia.

 
Harris is survived by his wife and sons Josh and Jake Harris.  Josh and Jake are deckhands on the Cornelia Marie.

 
The maritime law and Jones Act attorneys at The Young Firm would like express our sorrow for this loss.

 
Harris is only one of many fishermen who risk their lives every day.  If you have lost a loved one at sea, you may be entitled to compensation under DOHSA and maritime law.  Contact the Young Firm to learn more.