Deadliest Catch fans, rejoice! The Cornelia Marie is back in action for the king crab season, and this time, it’s bringing some exciting changes. The beloved vessel, which was absent from Season 13 of Discovery’s Emmy-winning reality series, is set to return with cameras rolling. Captain Josh Harris, who had to step away last season due to family issues, is back at the helm alongside Captain Casey McManus.
Josh Harris had a tumultuous year, dealing with multiple family members in ICU and the passing of his grandfather, Captain Grant Harris. The family plans to spread Grant’s ashes during the opie season this winter, fulfilling his wish to be buried alongside Josh’s father, Captain Phil Harris. Josh’s brother, Jake Harris, also faced a severe assault last November but is on the mend and working on his personal issues. Despite these challenges, Josh remains optimistic about the future and hopes his brother will eventually join him on the sea.
The Cornelia Marie has undergone significant changes, both in crew and equipment. The boat now boasts state-of-the-art machinery and electronics, making it more efficient and easier to operate. Josh is eager to get back to work and test out the new features. “I was so happy to see the boat. I kissed it when I saw it,” he said. McManus, who managed the boat in Josh’s absence, is also excited about the new season. “Yin is one thing to go fishin’, but yin and yang is a lot funner,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of their partnership.
The crew has seen some changes as well. Daniel (Deejay) Campbell, who started as a greenhorn three years ago, has now risen to the position of deck boss. “He went from livin’ in Vegas and probably not making the best decisions in life to now he’s the deck boss,” McManus said, highlighting Campbell’s significant progress.
One of the most notable changes is the addition of new partners to the Cornelia Marie. These partners have brought in a lot of quota, know-how, and sweat equity, making the boat a more sustainable and viable business. “These guys are not the type of guys who sit behind the scenes. When this thing hits shipyard, they are all over it in coveralls,” McManus explained. The new partners have been hands-on, even participating in tasks like welding and installing new facilities.
Despite some fans’ concerns about Josh’s role, McManus clarified that Josh remains the biggest individual shareholder. “He doesn’t only have a minority share — he’s the biggest individual shareholder still,” McManus said. The new partners have made the Cornelia Marie a more robust operation, ensuring its legacy continues.
The decision to return to the show was driven by their love and appreciation for the fans. “Because that Harris name was so strong and everybody loved Phil so much, nobody wants to see this boat just disappear. They want to see the whole legacy keep going,” McManus said. Josh echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re definitely back, and we’re ready to show the world what we can do at full force, a little bit smarter, and with a lot better boat.”
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with the Cornelia Marie aiming for the No. 1 spot. “We’re playing the game with a lot of quota now, and we’re gonna catch a lot of crab,” Josh said confidently. The boat will be featured alongside other fan-favorites like the Northwestern, Brenna A, Saga, Summer Bay, and Wizard.
As the Cornelia Marie sets sail for the new season, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite captains and crew in action. With new equipment, a revamped crew, and the addition of dedicated partners, the Cornelia Marie is poised for a successful season. The legacy of Captain Phil Harris lives on through his sons and the dedicated team that keeps the Cornelia Marie sailing.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment
