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.
183 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
Leave a Reply
Here's your chance to speak.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Chris said:
We all knew last week what the outcome was ultimately going to be. We all know whats happening on Tuesday.
Dammit its hard.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
hollyt said:
Morgan, thanks so much for posting the update. Once again, that Josh is a “pearl beyond price.” The most overlooked and least appreciated part of love is getting the job done when it needs to be. By making sure that the other crew members had a place to continue working and that there was a captain for the CM, he showed his true respect and regard for his dad.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Lori said:
It’s hard to watch… can’t say “it’s only a movie or show” b/c it’s reality. I really liked Phil… it will be different w/o him, for sure. I hope that Jake gets help and I have a lot of respect for Josh. I’ve learned a lot about him throughout this ordeal and have a lot of respect. I just wish the brothers did not fight like they do. But addicts are difficult to reason with, and when Jake gets clean, I bet they will be closer than ever. xo
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Vickie Pruitt said:
We are all going to miss Phil.I myself am a very huge fan.But if he was a dear friend of Derricks and he trusted him with his Beloved Cornelia Marie,I know in my heart of hearts he will do our Phil very proud.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Earlene M Lucia said:
My Family and I have been watching this show sense it started. Captian Phil will be miss by us all. I just hope the next captain of the CM can do a great job as well. I really hope it’s one of his boys….
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Merry Reisinger said:
Any friend of Captain Phil will do a great job as the fill-in skipper on the CM. Best wishes to Captain Ray, Josh and the crew members. I hope Jake can
accept responsibility eventually. What a wonderful bunch of guys.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Paul McWhorter said:
The episode we’ve all been dreading is almost here. Tuesday night’s episode will cover Captain Phil’s death in a two hour special. We knew it was coming – but it’ll still be hard to watch. I predict the highest rating EVER on Tuesday night. It’ll almost like a nationally televised funeral in a way – something you’d see for a president. But does anyone deserve it more than Captain Phil? I don’t think so. We’ll miss you Captain Phil!
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Sheryl said:
I have respect for Josh as well as all those that worked on the deck of the Cornelia Marie. Guys hang in there and peace will come to You all. Josh and Jake I know you are going through an unbelievingly difficult time and will once again come together as brothers. Josh my prayers are with you at this time when i know You’re feeling the weight on your shoulders most of all. I love you all and have you in my prayers always.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Bob said:
Went thru what you guys are going thru now, my brother like jake turned to drugs cause he couldnt deal with it, hes almost dead now due to his addiction Its a tough situation i watched my dad go from a 220lb marine that could kick your ass down to 65lbs. Jake time to man up dude kick the drugs step up to the plate and honor your dad. Take over his legacyJosh help him out however you can even if you have to drag his ass down to rehab. God Speed Phil
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
ed vallejo said:
man this sucks….i feel like i lost a friend….my condolinces to the family
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
danny ham said:
Its been hard watching the last few shows. But i truly beilive josh and jake will overcome the tragedy of losing their father. I beilive that Jake can overcome anything thats put in front of him. i want him to know iv’e had a similar situation, where i turned to drugs to ease the pain of my brother passing. its hard but you can find peace in your life and make dear ole dad happy! hang in there buddy. we wish all the family and crew a safe ride. miss CAPTAIN PHILL!!!
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Pamela Wilson said:
I have watched the show for years and come to feel like they are all family. My personal family is very heartbroken for the Harris family and all of the Crabbing families. I can’t watch a commerical about the last episode with Cousin Phil without balling my eyes out. I know I don’t know ya’ll personally but I hate ya’ll are going through this. Hold your heads up high and stick by each other.
Visit My Website
July 10, 2010
Permalink
Jesse said:
I loved capt. phil harris he was a king ,, if by any chance josh and jake see this you two need to take over the boat atleast one of ya man
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Stephanie said:
Our family had lost 2 great friends just weeks before Capt Phil and it was like reliving the nightmare all over again.
We lost my daughters papa dan and our dear friend dolly (like a 2nd mom) – cigarettes killed them both.
Josh & Jake you are not alone and please know people who were close to your dad are feeling the same grief. I just wish my daughter’s Papa’s 2 sons would realize that we miss him as much.
Ours prayers are with you and the entire crew and families of the great northwest
love steph
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Anthony said:
Josh just stay strong. You are your father’s son in the best of ways, just from what we saw on Deadliest Catch, when the situation got tough your father fought back and got even tough. Stay STRONG and you will make him proud. May by the grace of God you be blessed with your father as your guardian angel.
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Brian Lewke said:
I am a fan of the show and my heart gose out to the family, someone havibg a stroke is a very tough issue and tough for the family to deal with, I hope Josh, Jake are able to move on and remember thier Father in good times and happy memories
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Steve Raucher said:
Does anyone else feel that this will be the last season for “Deadliest Catch”? With Andy and Jonathan leaving the Time Bandit, Edgar wanting to quit fishing on the Northwestern, and Phil’s death on the Cornelia Marie, I just don’t think the show can continue.
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
jim said:
my heart goes out to the family of captain phil harris. he was indeed one of my favorite captains on the show. as for jake i sure hope you can get the help you need. i was a real bad drinker and druger myself. i have been clean and sober for going on 12 years now and real glad i got this way. you have alot of people out here that care. just reach out. god bless and hold your heads high.
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Kathe Franco said:
I have been a fan of the CM since the series began and especially Capt. Phil. He is deeply missed by all of us who have come to feel like you all are family. It is hard to watch these episodes knowing what the outcome will be. May God watch over Josh and Jake and all the other CM family members.
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Danielle Z. said:
I have been both dreading and anticipating this next episode for months now, and can’t watch the commercial without tearing up. I’ve been blessed in that I haven’t really lost anyone close to me and never has there been a TV figure’s death that has affected me the way Phil’s has. My most heartfelt prayers and well wishes to the boys and crew and everyone who knew and loved Captain Phil Harris…you are and will forever be truly missed!
Visit My Website
July 11, 2010
Permalink
Jayson Gibs said:
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall soft upon your sons
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand
Love ya dude You gave us all a little bit heart and soul
Missed by millions forgoten by none.
Josh and jake take care of each other (like always:) P.S. I’m glad you found your gear jake :) Peace.
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Frank McMurry said:
I have read everyons thoughts and commentes and they sume up all the fellings of the world who like, love or have only caught a few shows just to see what the show is about I too have watched the show from the first season .since then I have been through a wife my daughters marrige alotof other little stuff ; always looked forward to seeing the crews of all the ships I have the highest respect and admeration for all the capt,s.and crew yes they are like part of the family because you get to somewhat know them I thank them all for allowing us a glims of there lives to josh keep the faith little brother you are on the way to be a fine man jake I lost my dad in 1997 I was a pot smoker since age 16 my dad found out about it he was alot like yours he asked me to quite for years I always asked him not to ask me to promise something I could not keep the night he died Nov.9 1997 6:25 pm I quite smokeing that crap and have never gone back to it since I was 27 years old then I’m 41 now with no vices however i do enjoy a drink now and then but I don’t drink to get drunk. jake I hope you get to read this and helps to strenghten you when you fell weak.
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Ornree said:
I’m beginning to love Josh as much as I loved Capt. Phil. Through Josh, Phil is still with us.
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Larry Banks said:
I can’t believe how hard it is to watch just the commercial. hoping that the Cornelia marie family josh And jake carry on phil harris is legacy Much respect to time bandits And the rest of the captains God bless you all
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Larry Banks said:
You can do this josh do it like you said its in your blood take care of your brother god bless
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
dlrmg said:
I feel very funny watching tomorrow night. Like, I’m invading on private family feelings and emotions. And, because of my own emotions, I really feel like I don’t want to watch. I already know the outcome – I already know I will cry.
Yet, on the other hand, I feel I am drawn to watch. I am drawn to watch Phil’s last episode and to watch the love that surrounded him. I am compelled to watch how the discovery channel will pay tribute to this man.
As another poster said – you can’t say “oh – this is just a movie.” These are real people’s lives.
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
hollyt said:
it will be hard to watch the show for us fans, but it has got to be unbelievably rough for people who were friends and family. I know that Discovery has got to promote their products, but good grief. If I see that commercial one more time…. It reminds me so much of 9/11. I live in the nations capital and the media was asked not to keep showing the fire at the pentagon over and over because family had missing relatives. too bad they had to have that request submitted, and didn’t think of it on their own, but I digress.
Josh, Jake, Morgan, the crew, and anyone else close to Phil, I will be praying for you during the show. Eat a hot fudge sunday. Food makes everything bearable.
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Ornree said:
Salute with a duck fart!
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Michelle Christopher said:
Knowing what is coming does not make it any easier to watch. I want to extend my thanks to the Harris Family for letting us in on such a painful tragic portion of thier lives. I loved watching Captain Phil and his boys and the Cornelia Marie is my favorite on the show. Just Remember what Captain Phil said. He had the best job in the world and one of the reasons was he got to work with his sons and spend time with them and get to know them as men. Blessings to the Harris family and the extended crew family that is the F/V Cornelia Marie.
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Sarah said:
Tommorow will be so hard to watch! I find that I can’t even watch the previews without tears welling up in my eyes and a heaviness in my chest. Although I am glad that they dedicated tomorrow’s show to Captain Phil and it will be 2 hours I wish that DC would have done a memorial type of show with only Captain Phil and the CM. I am loving how Josh steps up and takes charge. What a MAN!!!! I hope Jake finds the solice he needs to make it thru this and that they both continue their lives, whatever that path may be, and make their papa proud. I will be truly sad tommorow althought there is an aprehension to not watch. I am a dedicated fan and like the rest of you I will be glued to the t.v. and most likely crying my eyes out. Thank you for the memories Captain Phil and the CM crew! We love, miss, and respect you Captain!
Visit My Website
July 12, 2010
Permalink
Vicky D said:
Jake, I know all too well what it’s like to self medicate!!! I lost a 3 month old son and my dad. Luckily I survived it all thanks to the birth of my second son. Please get the help that is out there!!! Maybe having your own family would be a way to go?!! I definatley have you and Josh in my heart and mind ALWAYS!!!
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Mitchmo said:
Tuesday will be interesting in a sad kind of way. Odd to be viewing content like this, but it is life. Thanks guys for sharing your lives – even in the hard times. God Bless.
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Julie said:
I’ve been dreading this episode but wouldn’t miss it for the world. Josh, best of luck to you – you’re really stepping up to the plate and I admire you greatly for that.
Jake, I’ve had my struggles too. You can beat this if you want to. You have to want it for yourself and no one else. Stay strong. I can’t imagine trying to get clean at a time like this.
Peace and love to the boys and the crew of the Cornelia Marie.
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Shireen Clawson said:
As so many of you have posted, it IS really difficult watching the show ‘KNOWING’ what the outcome is. Kinda like being is the Twilight Zone. You catch yourself goin’ ‘yeah, he’s getting better!’, then reality hits ya, oh yeah, that’s not gonna happen. Then come the tears, at least for me. My prayers go out to the boys to be strong and to resolve their differences for Dad. No doubt he’s looking over them and the entire fleet of friends. Gonna really need my Kleenex box tonight!
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Lisa said:
Tonite is going to be very hard even though we know what’s coming. I will have my tissues ready as it will be a long night. I think this will help with the griveing process for everyone, but I must say I really miss Captin Phil more everyday. I would really like to me his boys just to give a hug or cook onthe boat for them and the crew someday!
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
hollyt said:
in case you haven’t seen this before, it is from deadliest events or whatever that other website is called. the top line is a link, which i couldn’g et to copy as one. just put it in your browser or whatever.
deadliest-live-chat-406×258
For tonight only this season, Discovery is holding a live chat during tonight’s airing of ‘Deadliest Catch’, allowing fans a way to communicate with each
other over what can only be described as ’losing a family member’.
There will be two livechats, one for east coast fans and another for west coasters.
Make the jump
to Discovery for log-in instructions.
I advise logging into their chat room as early as possible as it will no doubt fill up right away.
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Mr Bill said:
Phil had become my favorite captain a long time ago. He was tough with a soft loving heart – reminds me of some I lost when I was 16 (not as brash -but in his own way as tough as Phil)His kids are lucky to have had him ,If I was a kid again I would love to have Phil for a second dad.
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
John M said:
Thank you for sharing what I know was a difficult time. Seeing Phil go hit me a little close to home. My
Father suffered a stroke last year and I am lucky to still have him around. It was hard to watch the the hospital scenes. Thank you again for being brave enough to share your lose with us. Phil will be missed!
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Emilio said:
RIP Capt. Phil, you will be missed! Best wishes to you Josh and Jake and the Harris Family. there are no other words than can be said that haven’t been said already!
From A heartbroken Fan! :(
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Emilio said:
RIP Capt. Phil, you will be missed! Best wishes to Josh and Jake, the Harris Family and the Cornelia Crew!
may there be calm seas ahead and all you sorrows be left in your wake! to Live is Life, to Love is to be ALIVE!
there is not much more that can be said that hasn’t been said already!
From a heartbroken fan! :(
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Dianne said:
Well, Phil gave it the good fight. I have every confidence that Josh and jake will manage the Cornelia Marie successfully and continue to be Phil Harris greatest living legacy. Like many others my family began to feel that the fleet, the captains and crews and their families were our families as well.We will miss Captain Phil very much and always remember him with much love. From what I have seen on the show all of the Captains and crews of the Bering Sea fishermen deserve our thanks, our love and our prayers for the job they do risking their lives to catch crab. God bless you all. May your lives be long and happy and the fishing be plentiful.I for one will never complain about the price of a king crab here in Florida again./we love you all! The Oliver Family in Bradenton, Florida.
Visit My Website
July 13, 2010
Permalink
Craig said:
This all completely sucks. My own dad had a mild stroke last summer. I was working construction, 3rd shift, and got the call. I can somewhat relate to what you guys are going through. My dad has smoked for over 35yrs and sitll does to this day. I am terribly sorry for your lose. There is nothing anyone can say to make it better. I have and will continue to pray for your family. You are in our hearts and thoughts. God Bless, The Brown Family in Louisville, Kentucky.
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
CG8 said:
I thought maybe Jonathan from the TB would help Josh learn the ropes of operating a crab boat. Jonathan could co-captain & train Josh.
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
Marcia Ballard said:
I just started watching Deadliest Catch this year but it felt like I had known Phil Harris all of my life. I cried almost as hard tonight watching the 2 hour special as I did when my own parents passed away. He seemed to be a great man and great dad to his 2 sons. I wish Josh and Jake all the best and hope they will realize what a legacy left for them and do the best they can and I am sure they will have tons of help from all the other captains. RIP Phil Harris.
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
Corrie McDermott said:
That was really tough to watch. I missed 15 minutes of the show due to the satellite going out because of heavy rain. I almost wished I had missed the end. I sobbed like a baby. I can’t imagine what Josh and Jake felt and still feel. I have never met Phil, but I liked him as a person and between that and thinking of losing my own parents and I lost it.
RIP Phil. I hope that heaven is full of crab to fill your pots and many roads to ride your Harley on.
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
Steven said:
Phil was a great captin and i will miss him running the Cornelia Marie
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
Joshua Matlock said:
This has been such a hard and emotional season of my favorite shoe. I am greatly saddened that this has happened and hope the best of luck for Josh and Jake, My prayers are with you and i have shed many a tears threw this season. Phil will seemed so genuine and down to earth. It wont be the same without him but he would want the boat back out with his kids on it. At least they have the support of the other skippers and will be welcomed aboard other boats as well. RIP Capt. Phil… You will always be missed i will wear my Cornelia Marine shirt with pride in tribute to Capt. Phil, Jake and Josh. Hang in there guys y’all are awesome and your dad would be so proud.
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
SCOTT BLISS said:
I’LL MISS PHILE HE A GREAT GUY HOPE THE BOYS WILL BE OK AND KEEP THE BOAT GOING GOD BLESS THE BOYS . AND WHEN IM OUT RIDING THE BIKE HE BE THERE RIDING TOO. THANKS SCOTT BLISS AKA WAGONBURNER.
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
Laurence Fraser said:
My family sends all their prayers to Captain Phil’s family. We related to Captain Phil on a personal level since I too worked a hazardous job for years. Now retired, I thank the Lord, with all my fingers and toes, (I am a bomb technician) We watched since the beginning and Captain Phil Harris was our favorite. No bullshit when it was warranted and a Teddy Bear when it counted. We loved him! Is there anywhere to send donations since Josh and Jake need money to keep the boat going? I haven’t seen seen anything. Please let us know. God Bless! The Fraser Family
Visit My Website
July 14, 2010
Permalink
Evan said:
My friends and I all picked a favorite boat during season 1. After 6 seasons, I’ve been amazed at how much I care about the people who eat, sleep and work on the Cornelia Marie.
Wishing the Harris brothers the best of luck going forward.
Evan from Ottawa, Canada.
P.S. The pep talk that the crazy Samoan gave to Josh in the wheelhouse was intense. All along I thought he just ate fish guts!