Below Deck, the unscripted reality TV show that premiered in 2013, has captured the attention of reality TV fanatics with its entertaining and often dramatic episodes. Available on Prime Video, the show has gained a loyal following for its behind-the-scenes look at the luxury yacht industry and the relationships formed among the crew members. While Below Deck mostly serves as a light-hearted affair, showcasing the day-to-day challenges and interactions on board the charter yacht, it doesn’t shy away from drama and unexpected moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
As with any reality show, tensions can run high, emotions can flare, and shocking revelations can occur. As a result, this adds an extra layer of excitement to the show’s dynamic and engaging narrative. So, here are 6 of the most shocking moments on Below Deck.
6. Rocky Dakota Takes a Leap
Rocky Dakota, a loyal and bubbly crew member on the hit reality TV show Below Deck, is known for her fierce loyalty to her fellow crewmates. In season 3 of the show, tension reached a boiling point when Captain Lee Rosbach had to reprimand Chef Leon Walker for starting a fire in the galley while cooking a pizza. In a shocking turn of events, Rocky decided to take matters into her own hands and jumped off the ship in retaliation, leaving Captain Lee and the rest of the crew stunned. Despite the dramatic exit, Rocky’s unwavering dedication to her friends and teammates was evident, and she ultimately made a triumphant return to the yacht thanks to the persuasion of fellow crew member Eddie Lucas.
5. Captain Lee Rosbach Calls Things Quits
Captain Lee Rosbach, the charge-handed figure on Below Deck, is often perceived as stern and intimidating with his no-nonsense approach to managing his crew and the luxury yacht. However, beneath his tough exterior, Captain Lee has a playful side and can be understanding of little mischiefs from his crew members and charter guests. Despite his reputation for patience and tolerance, Captain Lee reached his breaking point during season 8 of Below Deck. When an unruly charter guest named Dolores refused to follow the rules and jeopardized the safety of the crew and yacht by swimming at night, Captain Lee took decisive action. In a rare display of anger and authority, Captain Lee made the tough decision to return the boat to port and end the unruly guest’s vacation, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to enforcing rules and maintaining order on board.
4. Hannah Ferrier Drops Her Professionalism
While the crew members on Below Deck have been known to push the boundaries and bend the rules for a bit of mischief and entertainment, they generally strive to maintain a level of professionalism when interacting with the charter guests. However, during an episode of Below Deck Mediterranean, seasoned chief stew Hannah Ferrier found herself in hot water after breaking a major rule. After she was seen flirting with a guest, she was then caught out for engaging in flirtatious texting and even sneaking into the guest’s room for a secret make-out session. To that, the crew was left reeling in shock at her unprofessional behavior. The scandalous incident served as a reminder of the fine line that exists between having fun and maintaining the high standards of service expected in the yachting industry, showcasing the tension between fun and professionalism on board.
3. Chef Tom Checkett Has a Meltdown
English chef Tom Checkett joined the cast of Below Deck with the intention of being closer to his girlfriend, Malia, but he quickly made a name for himself with his culinary skills and professionalism. Throughout his time on the show, Tom maintained a high level of professionalism in the kitchen, impressing both the crew and charter guests with his dishes. However, on a few occasions, Tom showed a different, more shocking side of himself.
The first incident that changed people’s perceptions of him occurred when he was abruptly woken up from a nap to chop a cucumber, causing him to lose his cool in an unexpected manner. The second instance was even more dramatic, as Tom stormed out of the kitchen and left everyone in a tough spot when the topic of food provisions was brought up. This outburst painted Tom in a different light, showcasing him as a highly-strung diva figure on the show, adding an unexpected layer to his character on Below Deck.
Captain Glenn Shephard Crashes His Boat Twice
Being the captain of a yacht is undoubtedly a demanding and sometimes dangerous job, requiring a good balance of skill, experience, and quick decision-making. Mistakes can and do happen, but the consequences of crashing a vessel are particularly severe, bringing intense scrutiny and potential repercussions. Captain Glenn Shephard of Below Deck certainly experienced this first-hand when he crashed the boat not once, but twice in one season. Despite his years of experience and expertise, both incidents were the result of a combination of mechanical issues and human error, with the captain ultimately having to take full responsibility.
In one instance, footage captured the moment when the yacht, under Captain Glenn’s command, failed to respond as commanded, resulting in a collision with a concrete wall. Another crash occurred due to extremely high winds, leading to severe damage to the Parsifal III. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and caution when navigating the high seas as a yacht captain.
Ashton Pienaar Falls Overboard
Ashton Pienaar, a crew member on Below Deck during Seasons 6 and 7, quickly became one of the most-loved and well-liked members of the cast, earning a dedicated fan following. However, he also became the source of intense anxiety for viewers and his fellow crew members during a harrowing incident on the show. During one particularly dangerous moment, Ashton fell off the boat and it initially appeared as though he might have tragically lost his life. His foot became entangled in the line used to tow the yacht tender, causing him to be thrown overboard and dragged along in the water, struggling to keep himself afloat. Fortunately, through the combined efforts of his shipmates, the camera crew, and the quick thinking of Captain Lee Rosbach, Ashton was successfully rescued and brought to safety, averting what could have been a devastating tragedy. Want to read more about Below Deck? Here’s our ranking of all of the Captains.
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