September 1, 2025

For over a decade, the Cornelia Marie was more than just a fishing vessel—it was an icon. On Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” the boat symbolized grit, family, and survival against the harsh backdrop of Alaska’s Bering Sea. But behind the scenes, the legacy of the Harris family and their beloved ship was shattered by a scandal that stunned fans and forced the Cornelia Marie out of the spotlight. Now, with new ownership and a fresh start, the storied vessel is charting a new course—one far removed from reality TV drama.

The Heart of “Deadliest Catch”

When “Deadliest Catch” premiered, viewers were immediately drawn to Captain Phil Harris and the Cornelia Marie. Phil was more than a captain; he was the beating heart of the boat, known for his tough yet fair leadership and deep loyalty to his crew. His relationship with his sons, Josh and Jake, added a layer of authenticity and emotion that resonated with millions of fans.

Phil’s untimely death in 2010 left a void not only on the deck of the Cornelia Marie but in the hearts of viewers. Josh and Jake Harris, thrust into leadership, vowed to honor their father’s legacy and keep the Cornelia Marie afloat. Their journey was filled with challenges—dangerous storms, internal conflicts, and the immense pressure of living up to their father’s reputation.

A Sudden Disappearance

By 2017, something changed. The Cornelia Marie, once a centerpiece of “Deadliest Catch,” vanished from the show without warning. Fans were confused and angry, demanding answers. Rumors swirled, but the truth remained elusive: Why had the iconic vessel been cut from the series?

Behind the scenes, a secret was brewing—one that would soon explode into public view and change everything for the Harris family and the Cornelia Marie.

The Scandal That Shook the Fleet

In August 2022, a long-buried court record surfaced, revealing that Josh Harris—Phil’s son and the face of the Cornelia Marie—had committed a serious crime as a teenager. At age 15, Josh Harris sexually assaulted a four-year-old girl, the daughter of a family friend. The incident, which occurred in 1999, resulted in a nine-month jail sentence and two years of treatment. For more than two decades, this dark chapter was kept hidden from fans and the public.

When the truth came out, the reaction was swift and furious. Viewers who had watched Josh grow up on television felt betrayed. The Discovery Channel acted immediately, cutting all ties with Josh Harris and the Cornelia Marie. Episodes featuring Josh or the boat were pulled from broadcast schedules and streaming platforms like Hulu and Discovery+. The Cornelia Marie, once a symbol of resilience and family, was erased from the show’s history almost overnight.

Fallout and Family Struggles

The scandal didn’t just impact Josh—it reverberated through the entire Harris family. The boat that had been a source of pride and unity became a lightning rod for controversy. Josh’s personal struggles, including battles with addiction and legal issues, compounded the fallout. His relationship with his brother Jake and other family members became strained as they grappled with the public shame and the loss of their livelihood.

Fans were divided. Some believed Josh deserved a second chance, having served his sentence years earlier. Others argued that the severity of his crime—and the years of secrecy—warranted his removal from the show. The Cornelia Marie, once a beloved fixture, was now synonymous with scandal.

A New Beginning

In 2024, a new chapter began for the Cornelia Marie. The Harris family, after years of turmoil, sold the boat to a new group of owners. The transition marked the end of an era but also offered hope for redemption. Jake Albinino, a seasoned fisherman with a clean reputation, was named the new captain.

Under Albinino’s leadership, the Cornelia Marie shed its reality TV baggage and returned to its roots: fishing. The new owners made it clear—they were here to work, not chase fame. The cameras were gone, and so was the drama. The focus shifted to maintaining the boat, catching crab, and rebuilding the vessel’s reputation in the commercial fishing industry.

Reclaiming Respect

The Cornelia Marie’s journey is now one of resilience and renewal. While the stain of past scandals cannot be erased overnight, the boat remains respected in the fishing community for its reliability and strength. Away from the glare of television, the crew is determined to prove themselves through hard work and dedication.

For fans, the absence of the Cornelia Marie from “Deadliest Catch” is bittersweet. The boat was more than a character—it was a connection to the Harris family’s story, a symbol of overcoming adversity. But its new direction offers a lesson in moving forward, focusing on what truly matters: the craft, the crew, and the sea.

The Legacy Lives On

The story of the Cornelia Marie is a reminder of how quickly fame can turn to infamy—and how difficult it is to rebuild after public disgrace. The Harris family’s saga, once celebrated, now serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of reality TV and the consequences of hidden truths.

Yet, as the Cornelia Marie sails under new ownership, there is hope that the vessel’s legacy will endure—not through television ratings, but through the respect it earns on the water. The boat’s future is no longer defined by scandal or celebrity, but by the hard work and integrity of those who crew her.

As the Cornelia Marie charts a new course, one thing is clear: the story isn’t over. In the unforgiving world of Alaskan crab fishing, redemption is earned every day, one catch at a time.