Deadliest Catch: The Cornelia Marie’s Sudden Departure Explained
It’s unclear what exactly happened to the Cornelia Marie when it suddenly disappeared from Deadliest Catch, but some behind-the-scenes issues have shed light on the ship’s unanticipated absence. The Cornelia Marie is one of the most recognizable boats on Deadliest Catch, with its long tenure on the show, yellow and blue hull, and renowned captains. It’s a ship even casual fans would recognize. Until season 6, Cornelia Marie was helmed by the fan-favorite captain, Phil Harris, who also co-owned the boat. However, tragedy struck.
Phil Harris sadly passed away from an intracranial hemorrhage while onboard the Cornelia Marie, and while Discovery Channel crews were filming. The boat then passed to Phil’s son, Josh Harris, who bought it with Casey McManus. Together, they captained the boat starting in season 10. It remained a fixture of the series until season 13, when it disappeared, only to return in season 14. However, in Deadliest Catch season 19, Cornelia Marie is conspicuously absent, and it did not return for season 20. It’s not said what exactly happened to it, but there are some behind-the-scenes reasons for its disappearance.
The Cornelia Marie Disappeared From Deadliest Catch After Josh Harris’ Legal Troubles Came To Light
Cornelia Marie’s last appearance on the show was in season 18. It simply did not reappear in season 19, with no explanation, nor did it come back for season 20. The reason for its disappearance is troubling. There are plenty of unsavory secrets about Deadliest Catch, and one of them came to light before season 19. According to Radar, Discovery uncovered that captain Josh Harris had gone to prison for nine months in 1999 for sexually assaulting a minor some years in the past. Harris pleaded to a lesser charge and underwent a psychosexual exam as part of his sentence.
Though Discovery pointed out this issue as to why Josh Harris was not invited back, Casey McManus was given a much more corporate reason. On X, McManus revealed that the show did not renew his, Josh’s, or Cornelia Marie’s contract. It was likely easier to cut ties with the whole operation than to figure out how to have McManus and Cornelia Marie on the show, with Josh Harris owning part of it. McManus moved on to pulling tugboats and often posts on his Instagram page pictures from inside and outside his boat.
Could The Cornelia Marie Return To Deadliest Catch?
It’s been two seasons without the Cornelia Marie, but there’s always hope that the shipping vessel may one day come back. On June 17, 2024, former cast member Taylor Jansen posted an Instagram picture of him standing in front of a dry-docked Cornelia Marie. The caption reads,
It’s unclear how his partnership interacts with McManus’ and Harris’ and he could simply be using the boat for crab fishing, without the Discovery Channel cameras in tow. However, there’s also the possibility that Jansen could return to Deadliest Catch now as captain of Cornelia Marie. Discovery could come to an agreement with the ship owners that allows Cornelia Marie to return to Deadliest Catch. It would give fans a much-desired chance to see the beloved light blue hull of the famous crab boat.
The sudden departure of the Cornelia Marie from “Deadliest Catch” stirred curiosity and concern among fans. The primary reasons for the boat’s temporary exit from the show revolve around operational, logistical, and narrative decisions made by the production team and the boat’s crew.
Operational and Logistical Reasons
- Maintenance and Upgrades: Fishing vessels like the Cornelia Marie often require extensive maintenance and upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency. There have been instances where the boat needed to undergo significant repairs or improvements, which could have taken it out of operation temporarily.
- Regulatory Compliance: The fishing industry is heavily regulated, with boats needing to meet specific standards and pass inspections. Ensuring compliance with these regulations could have necessitated a pause in filming.
- Crew Changes: Changes in the crew, including the departure of key members or the need to find experienced replacements, can impact the boat’s readiness to fish and film.
Narrative Decisions
- Storyline Focus: The producers of “Deadliest Catch” may choose to focus on different boats or captains in certain seasons to keep the show dynamic and interesting. Shifting the spotlight to other vessels can provide fresh perspectives and storylines.
- Dramatic Effect: The departure of a fan-favorite boat can create suspense and intrigue, drawing viewers back to see its return and the challenges it faced during the absence.
Crew Insights
The crew members of the Cornelia Marie, including Captain Josh Harris, have occasionally provided updates and explanations on social media and in interviews. They have discussed the need for repairs, the complexities of managing a fishing vessel, and the personal challenges they face.
In summary, the Cornelia Marie’s temporary departure from “Deadliest Catch” can be attributed to a combination of practical and narrative factors. The boat’s return is often met with excitement as fans eagerly follow its adventures on the high seas.
