The Real Reason Cornelia Marie Disappeared from ‘Deadliest Catch’

The Cornelia Marie, an iconic vessel on *Deadliest Catch*, captivated fans for over a decade as the home of Captain Phil Harris and later his sons, Josh and Jake.

Built in 1989 in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, under the supervision of legendary shipbuilder Elmo Horton, this 128-foot crab boat was engineered for the brutal Bering Sea with twin Cummins diesel engines and a capacity for massive hauls.

Named after co-owner Cornelia Marie Collins, it symbolized partnership and endurance, becoming a fan favorite with its aquamarine hull and bold yellow banners. However, its sudden disappearance from the show in 2022 left viewers puzzled, with the truth rooted in a dark scandal involving Josh Harris.

The Cornelia Marie’s journey on *Deadliest Catch* began in Season 2, showcasing Phil Harris’s tough yet caring leadership. After Phil’s tragic death from a stroke in 2010, Josh and Jake struggled to maintain their father’s legacy amid financial woes and ownership disputes with stakeholders like Cornelia Marie Develin.

Despite temporary absences, such as in Season 13 due to the network’s focus on other boats, the vessel returned in 2018 under Josh and co-captain Casey McManus, keeping fans engaged. However, behind-the-scenes drama and personal struggles, including Jake’s addiction and legal issues, strained the family’s story.

The decisive blow came in August 2022 when court documents surfaced online, revealing a horrific secret Josh Harris had hidden for 24 years. In 1998, at age 15, Josh s3xually assaulted a 4-year-old girl, a family friend’s daughter.

He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in 1999, serving only nine months in jail and completing two years of treatment—a punishment many deemed too lenient.

This revelation shattered his reputation and stunned fans who had rooted for him. Discovery Channel acted swiftly, severing ties with Josh, removing *Deadliest Catch* and its spin-off *Bloodline* from streaming platforms, and erasing promotional content. The Cornelia Marie, tied to Josh’s legacy, vanished from screens overnight.

Casey McManus, despite being uninvolved in the scandal, also lost his place on the show as his contract wasn’t renewed, a move fans found unfair given his respected role.

The boat’s absence wasn’t just about legal issues; it reflected Discovery’s need to distance itself from the controversy. In 2024, a new chapter began when Taylor Jensen and partners, including captain Jake Albanino, bought the Cornelia Marie, focusing on fishing rather than fame. This marked the first time since Phil’s death that the boat was free from the Harris family’s shadow.

The disappearance of the Cornelia Marie from *Deadliest Catch* wasn’t due to mechanical failure or crew decisions but a devastating personal scandal that forced the network’s hand.

While fans mourned its loss, the boat’s new owners aim to rebuild its legacy on the Bering Sea, leaving behind the tainted past tied to Josh Harris’s actions.