Get Well Soon, Captain Phil!

Star of Deadliest Catch Captain Phil Harris, one of reality TV's VERY few shining lights, has suffered a stroke while offloading his 128-foot F/V Cornelia Marie at St. Paul Island in Alaska. Captain Phil has helmed the ship for 18 years and is a native of Lake Stevens, Washington.

Fans of the show have grown to love him, despite worrying about his nearly constant consumption of RedBull and cigarettes. His two rascal sons and deckhands, Josh and Jake Harris, accompany him on fishing excursions and often help to showcase Phil's heart of gold. His interactions with his sons, upright friend and relief skipper/engineer Murray Gamrath, and all of the other show Captains generally just make us want to give him a big bear hug. Unlike that wanker Captain Keith.

It's being reported he suffered the stroke Friday night and was flown to Anchorage to undergo surgery this last weekend. According to Discovery's website, "It may be some time before we know anything substantial about Phil’s condition."

Through all of your insanely dangerous excursions (and previous scare with an embolism), Lady Luck has been at your side so far, Captain Phil. We all sincerely hope she stays there. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery, good sir. You'll be back to watching Nascar and building birdhouses before you know it.

P.S. With Valentine's day right around the corner, cross your fingers ladies.