Deadliest Catch: The Cornelia Marie's Sudden Departure Explained (2024)

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

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 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?

Taylor Jansen Is Now A Co-owner Of The Vessel

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,

"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 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.

Deadliest Catch

PG

Reality

Deadliest Catch is a reality television series that follows the dangerous lives of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea. Premiering in 2005, the show documents the perilous conditions crews face aboard their vessels during the Alaskan king crab and snow crab fishing seasons. The series provides a gritty, in-depth look at the challenges of one of the world's most hazardous professions.

Cast

Mike Rowe

Release Date

March 15, 2005

Seasons

19

Creator(s)

Thom Beers