🦀🔥 From Glory to Scandal: The Untold Story of the Cornelia Marie That Shook “Deadliest Catch” and America’s Seas 🌊⚡️

Cornelia Marie is not just a fishing vessel; it is a symbol of survival and resilience in the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea.

Known for its participation in the hit reality television series “Deadliest Catch,” aired on the Discovery Channel, the Cornelia Marie has become a household name.

Under the command of the late Captain Phil Harris, the vessel faced countless dangers during the crabbing season.

However, its journey has also been marred by a series of misfortunes, including a potential fire, a pandemic that led to government shutdowns, and involvement in lawsuits and scandals.

Despite these challenges, the Cornelia Marie has managed to stay afloat, but recent controversies could threaten its future on television.

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Contrary to popular belief, the FV Cornelia Marie was not named after Captain Phil Harris’s first wife.

The vessel was named after a real-life Native Alaskan, Cornelia Marie, who was married to Ralph Collins, a commercial fisherman.

In 1989, the couple invested in a 106-foot crabbing boat worth $1.5 million, built by the renowned shipbuilder Elma Horton in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.

Powered by twin Mitsubishi engines with a combined 630 horsepower, the Cornelia Marie was designed to hold 25,800 gallons of fuel.

Ralph named the boat in honor of his wife, who managed the accounts of their fishing business, recognizing her vital role in their success.

Initially, Ralph’s plans for the Cornelia Marie included sailing to Seattle via the Gulf of Mexico and the Panama Canal.

However, the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989 resulted in the canal’s closure, delaying the vessel’s journey.

By the time the Cornelia Marie reached Seattle, the crabbing season was already underway, forcing Ralph to temporarily take the helm.

Recognizing the need for a reliable captain, Ralph hired Phil Harris, offering him a stake in the boat to ensure his commitment.

Phil, despite lacking formal technical training, proved to be an astute captain, learning the intricacies of the vessel through experience and instinct.

Throughout the years, the Cornelia Marie faced numerous harrowing incidents at sea.

Captain Phil Harris often reminded his crew that while accidents happen, they must not take them personally; otherwise, they would drive themselves insane.

One particularly terrifying moment occurred when a deckhand was swept overboard, and it took the crew five minutes to realize he was missing.

In another instance, a massive wave crashed into the boat, breaking its heavy steel rudders, a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the Bering Sea.

Despite these challenges, Phil’s leadership and experience helped the crew navigate the perils of crabbing.

In the 11th season of “Deadliest Catch,” Josh Harris, Phil’s son, took over as co-captain alongside long-time engineer Casey McManus.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred when a fire broke out in the engine bay, prompting immediate action from the crew.

With oil spilling in the engine room, the situation was dire, but thanks to Casey’s expertise, they managed to avert disaster without returning to port.

As the pandemic hit in 2020, the fishing industry faced unprecedented challenges, including the cancellation of crucial government surveys.

This led to the closure of the red king crab fishery for the 2021-2022 season, forcing the Cornelia Marie’s crew to adapt their fishing strategies.

Operating expenses skyrocketed as the crew struggled to find replacements willing to work during the pandemic.

With flight regulations complicating crew logistics, they had to pay exorbitant rates to secure help.

Josh Harris reached out to his brother Shane for assistance, demonstrating the familial bonds that have always been a part of the Cornelia Marie’s legacy.

As they shifted their focus to hunting golden king crabs, the crew faced new challenges, requiring them to use ten lines instead of the usual two.

This transition proved difficult, but with help from another vessel, the Time Bandit, they successfully navigated the complexities of golden king crab fishing.

While the Cornelia Marie has survived numerous trials, the legacy of Captain Phil Harris looms large, especially in light of recent controversies involving his sons.

Jake Harris, Phil’s younger son, struggled with addiction and faced multiple legal issues, including arrests for DUI and drug possession.

His tumultuous life has cast a shadow over the Cornelia Marie, raising concerns among fans about the vessel’s future.

In September 2022, shocking allegations surfaced against Josh Harris, leading to his termination from the series.

Reports revealed that he was embroiled in a sexual abuse case dating back to 1998, which ultimately resulted in the Discovery Channel severing ties with him.

The fallout from these events has left fans questioning the future of the Cornelia Marie, once synonymous with the Harris family’s legacy.

While the vessel has weathered storms in the past, many believe this latest scandal may be too much for it to overcome.

As the Cornelia Marie continues to navigate the tumultuous waters of both the Bering Sea and the reality television landscape, its future remains uncertain.

The resilience of the crew and the legacy of Captain Phil Harris will always be remembered, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges.

Only time will tell if the Cornelia Marie can rise above these controversies and continue its storied journey in the world of commercial fishing.