Five Bering Sea captains recently came together in Astoria to pay tribute to their friend and commercial fishing partner, Capt. Phil Harris. Best known from his appearances on Discovery Channel’s television series, “Deadliest Catch,” Harris died Feb. 9.

A DVD, “I Am Just A Crabber: A Tribute To Capt. Phil Harris,” has been released. In addition to interviews, there is a slide show of photos of Harris from a private collection, including images from his memorial, and a song written by Capt. Harry Lewis as his personal tribute.

“The DVD brings together personal stories from those who knew him best,” explains Ron Williams, director for the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival. Proceeds from the DVD sales help underwrite the festival and its signature event, the Capt. Phil Harris Highliner Competition. 

Capts. David Lethin, Rick Quashnick, Jim Wilson, Derrick Ray and Harry Lewis represent more than 175 years combined experience of commercial fishing. “Many of those years were with Phil,” added Lethin. Each man has at least 35 years at sea and many fond memories to share.

Ray took over the helm of the F/V Cornelia Marie to finish out the season after Harris’ death. “The crew and I meshed together really well – it was tough getting back to work but we all wanted to finish what Captain Phil started,” explained Ray. “He would have wanted it that way. He loved ‘Deadliest Catch’ and he loved being a fisherman.” Ray has recently returned from finishing the Opilio Crab season in Alaska on the F/V Cornelia Marie, and is returning to his home in Seaside.

“I Am Just A Crabber: A Tribute To Capt. Phil Harris” can be purchased online at (www.CommercialFishermensFestival.com). The cost is $15 per DVD plus shipping and handling.