Posted on July 9, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Filling in for Capt. Phil – the toughest job
Josh Harris calling Captains
The still shot above is from a video showing Josh on the phone looking for a captain to take his dad’s place. This scene was not aired on “Deadliest Catch”. This video clip comes from the an internet only series of videos called “Chasing the Catch”. These videos were all taken from and include the chase boat, the “FV Aquila”. This boat is owned by some great folks who have been good friends to the FV Cornelia Marie, thank you Kale and Anji.
As viewers of the show, it was really hard to watch a relief skipper come aboard the FV Cornelia Marie at the end of the last episode. That new skipper is Derrick Ray and he’s an old family friend of my mother, Cornelia and Capt. Phil. When Derrick landed in St. Paul to captain the FV Cornelia Marie, we thought Phil was going to make a long but full recovery. So, it was up to Derrick to step in and finish the Opilio season. This was a tough situation – to step on board during that time. Derrick said the crew was very upset and that they “were a train wreck”.
I couldn’t think of a better person to step in during that time than Derrick Ray. He’s a well known Bering Sea Captain with a big heart to match his talent as a great skipper.
Derrick started making money on the sea at a very young age. He was a deckhand on charter boats that plyed the waters off the Oregon Coast. Once high school was over he headed north to Alaska. Here, he worked on several boats before landing a job as a deckhand on the F/V Milky Way. The 76 foot Milky Way was then owned by my folks Ralph and Cornelia Collins. Derrick and I were both deckhands at the same time.
Derrick quickly established himself as a great fisherman. At the young age of 23, he skippered his first King Crab opening in the Bering Sea. An enormous undertaking for a young man, but one that Derrick handled well.
A lot happened on board the FV Cornelia Marie after Phil left. Most of it will not make it to television because of the limited time. I will write more to try and fill in the gaps. We appreciate everyone’s continued support of the Cornelia Marie family.
This entry was posted on Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 8:51 pm and is filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
171 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
Leave a Reply
Here's your chance to speak.
-
Photos
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
Lilly Carbone said:
I didn’t know him but it made me cry when I heard of his death he was well love by people who only knew him from the show and I was a big fan and god bless his boy’s and keep them strong
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
Lilly Carbone said:
I do wonder if jacob or josh will one day be the captian of the ship ,that was their fathers wishes
Visit My Website
July 27, 2010
Permalink
Linda ONeill said:
If those boys are going to be serious fishermen they need to get their crap together.I think their fighting helped to stress Phil to the max & stress will KILL you.Their close right now because of loosing the Capt.,but I dont think they could work together on another boat for long term.Maybe one on a boat & another on a different boat.My heart is breaking for those boys but I just cant see them together on the same boat for long term.
Visit My Website
July 28, 2010
Permalink
Candy Ford said:
Hey Crew,
You know, I’ve never been a real big fan of movie stars but there was something about Phil (and all you guys really) that is just plain honest and down to earth that impresses me. I, in some strange fan way, loved Phil. I really hoped to meet him someday and just have a beer. Josh and Jake take care of each other. Your fans have all greived with you this last season and know you are strong people and will come out of your tragedy with even more strength and determination. BIG HUG!
Candy
Visit My Website
July 28, 2010
Permalink
Bip Daye said:
I saw Phil and the boys signing autographs at Ray’s Market last Aug. in Creswell Oregon, it was two hours passed the time they were to stay! there were still a long line of people..they signed till the last person left! Phil talk to me like a long lost friend…Phil, you shall me missed greatly
Visit My Website
July 29, 2010
Permalink
Karen Roberts said:
I have watched and re-watched the shows showing Capt. Phil’s death and the reaction of the all the crew and the captains and crew of the other ships. I have cried each time I have watched them. Capt. Phil was loved by all. My heart goes out to Josh and Jake. I hope that they will contine their father’s legacy. I know that he is watching over both of his boys.
Rest in peace Capt. Phil.
Visit My Website
August 2, 2010
Permalink
maw said:
I had watched Deadliest catch for a long time,When i first clicked past the show I quickly went back and said ” what the heck is this,” Well I started watching, and even watched reruns, it was that good, I have no clue,maybe because some one was doing something different, and it was very interesting,It is a sad situation for his son, and all the rest of the fishing crews, they all were so sad, Phil you are gonna be greatly missed,I will never forget Phil cause he looked like my brother, there will always be a reminder there, GOD BLESS YOU PHIL IN HEAVEN,ABOVE!!! WATCH OVER ALL OF US PLEASE !!!sure gonna miss you !
Visit My Website
August 5, 2010
Permalink
joseph Bennett said:
I love the show and capt. Phil will be greatly missed by all i will continue to watch the show because its one of the best shows on T.V. today so keep up the hard work and catch many more crab i hope you guys will have the best season ever this year. I’m so sorry to see capt. Phil gone
Visit My Website
August 11, 2010
Permalink
Kim said:
I have been a long time viewer of the show and the Cornelia Marie was my favorite. Seeing Capt. Phil be with his sons was amazing adventure or him I’m sure. My prayers are with his family. Josh & Jake, you had an amazing father and he lives on through you. Remain blessed and know he will be watching over you.
Visit My Website
August 12, 2010
Permalink
Violet said:
Phil touched everyone. I balled my eyes out. he will be missed vry much
Visit My Website
August 13, 2010
Permalink
jd Wiley said:
My girl friend and I are longtime viewers of “The deadliest catch” program. Sometime in the early spring of this year I noticed a change, and told her that something tragic had happened to Captain Phil, although nothing had aired to the contrary. When the viewing season was comming to a close and the awful truth was slowly being revealed, we chilled a few bottles of wine and toasted the good Captain and crew. Captain Phil will be missed by all, but we’re hopeful for his legacy and are looking forward to the next season. We would like to have some hoodies, sweatshirts and t shirts made with a picture of Phil and his crew, and maybe a recipe for Duck Farts! Rest in peace!
Visit My Website
August 13, 2010
Permalink
Kristie said:
Captain Phil touched a kot of the viewers hearts but most of all he touched everyone on the show you could really tell. Jake and Josh you guys will do a great job on the boat because your dad is watching over you to make sure you guys do not screw up. Phil was lived by everyone. When I watched the episode of him passing I put myself in Jake and Josh’s shoes for a minute and I cried for a couple of hours just thinking of it. I think you all on Deadliest Catch are awesome for doing what you do and keep up the good work. For Jake and Josh keep your head held high and just remember he is in you heart and with you everyday. Rest in Peace Phil Harris. May God guide your crew on the next journey they do.
Visit My Website
August 14, 2010
Permalink
Shannon Austill said:
Some people need to remember that we don’t see everything that occurs in their lives, even though we’ve made all of you a part of ours whenever we started watching the show. My heart goes out to you boys, and I’m sorry for your loss. Feb. 8, 2005, my sister and I lost our little brother in Iraq. Feb. 9, 2010, you lost your father, your boss, and your friend…and we all lost a Captain we loved. His face was the first one I seen on the show when I watched for the first time in July 2008. Deadliest Catch has made me laugh just as much as it has made me cry…I’ll miss Capt. Phil and his crazy sense of humor. God Speed, Cpt. Phil, you were truly
Visit My Website
August 21, 2010
Permalink
melissa weaver said:
It still is unbearable to think of next season without Capt. Phil. He was truely my favorite captain. I only hope his sons will take over and carry on the family tradition. My heart still goes out to them, and I wish them all the best.
Visit My Website
August 23, 2010
Permalink
Becky Youngblood said:
From the get go, Capt. Phil was my fav. I loved his outlook, his love of fishing and the way he loved his boys. How could you not love this man who seemed like a big bad bear and in his down time made bird houses. I will miss seeing you next season.
Visit My Website
August 25, 2010
Permalink
yankwi said:
Watta loss. died @ his home.
On ta boat, go strong. & i’ll
work a deak for you 2 guys neday.
Frm New Zealand, ta roarn 40’s.
Visit My Website
August 25, 2010
Permalink
Laura said:
Why not let Josh take over with someone looking over his shoulder? Why not step up in his father’s shoes and have someone guide and mentor him. That is unless Josh feels he’s not personally ready for it. You’d be surprised how people with the proper training can step up to the challenge with a support system (esp. in the father’s memory). They deserve it…and we’re pulling for them!
Visit My Website
August 25, 2010
Permalink
kingtutisfine said:
captin phil is the greatest captin in the whole fleet.he will be in hearts. i like to see josh run the ship and jake be the deck hand boss. your dad will be there for you boys and all the deck hands on that boat. my heart and prays are with you.
Visit My Website
August 27, 2010
Permalink
Pat McNeill said:
Josh and Jake,
Your father lived for you two. He loved you guys so much and it showed in the episodes that aired on national television. I have been a big fan of the CM and will continue to be. I hope that you guys will carry out your dads wishes and one day be able to fill his foot steps (it is something I know he wanted for the both of you. Be strong, have faith and remember that your FANS will always remember what a great DAD you two were blessed with! Good luck guys, I’m pulling for you two!
Visit My Website
August 27, 2010
Permalink
patti allen said:
i am so so sorry to hear of ur dads passing …me and my BF’s grandmother used to sit and watch it all the time and he was her favorite fishermen…she has simce passed and i know how ur feeling as she was my heart to….and i know uboys will go on as i have and will always have him in ur hearts as i have her in my…….u boys are strong and smart and can do it i have faith in u and so does he(GOD) so i am waiting to hear weather u will be a part of the next season of the deadlist catch am praying u will be…KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED AND ALSO DOING SOME PRAYING AS WELLL…..GOOOD LUCKKKK AND GODDDD BLESSSSSSS…YOUR FANNN ,PATTI ALLEN
Visit My Website
August 31, 2010
Permalink
Steve B said:
I am sad & shocked to hear of your fathers passing. I have watched, with total addmiration, the way you laughed, argued and most of all, worked so hard together as a family. Although I didn’t know your father, I’m sure he would be so proud of you and the rest of your family. Godbless all on the Cornelia Marie. R.I.P Capt. Phil