Summary
It’s unclear what exactly happened to theCornelia Mariewhen it suddenly disappeared fromDeadliest Catch, but some behind-the-scenes issues have shed light on the ship’s unanticipated absence. TheCornelia Marieis one ofthe most recognizable boats onDeadliest 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 Mariewas 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 theCornelia 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, inDeadliest Catchseason 19,Cornelia Marieis 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.
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The Cornelia Marie Disappeared From Deadliest Catch After Josh Harris' Legal Troubles Came To Light
Discovery Channel Cut Ties With Harris And McManus
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 ofunsavory secrets aboutDeadliest Catch, and one of them came to light before season 19. According toRadar, 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.
It was likely easier to cut ties with the whole operation than to figure out how to have McManus andCornelia Marieon the show, with Josh Harris owning part of it.
Though Discovery pointed out this issue as to why Josh Harris was not invited back, Casey McManus was given a much more corporate reason. OnX, McManus revealed that the show did not renew his, Josh’s, orCornelia Marie’s contract. It was likely easier to cut ties with the whole operation than to figure out how to have McManus andCornelia Marieon the show, with Josh Harris owning part of it. McManus moved on to pulling tugboats and often posts on hisInstagrampage pictures from inside and outside his boat.
F/V Cornelia Marieis 39 meters (128 feet) long and capable of carrying nearly 300 tons.
Could The Cornelia Marie Return To Deadliest Catch?
Taylor Jansen Is Now A Co-owner Of The Vessel
It’s been two seasons without theCornelia Marie, but there’s always hope that the shipping vessel may one day come back. On July 08, 2025, former cast member Taylor Jansen posted anInstagrampicture of him standing in front of a dry-dockedCornelia Marie. The caption reads,
“First shipyard as partners in this big blue piece of steel ✅ #Bristolbaybound”
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 toDeadliest Catchnow as captain ofCornelia Marie. Discovery could come to an agreement with the ship owners that allowsCornelia Marieto return toDeadliest Catch. It would give fans a much-desired chance to see the beloved light blue hull of the famous crab boat.
Deadliest Catch
Cast
Deadliest Catch is a documentary series that chronicles the perilous lives of Alaskan crab fishermen as they brave treacherous conditions and freezing temperatures. Released in April 2005, the series follows crews navigating dangerous waters to meet their quotas and return home safely.
