Below Deck: The High-Stakes World of Yachties and Their Downfalls
Below Deck provides a fascinating glimpse into the demanding realm of luxury yachting, where passionate individuals come together to navigate charter seasons with varying levels of expertise. Unfortunately, many yachties have made significant errors on board, jeopardizing their careers in the process. As crew members strive to deliver an unforgettable guest experience while ensuring safety, the pressure can lead to some facing unexpected challenges. Some people aboard the show manage to excel, while others crumble under the pressure, highlighting the diverse skill levels and temperaments of the crew.
Over its enduring presence, both the original Below Deck series and its numerous spin-offs have featured a colorful array of crew members from different backgrounds. While typically a bosun would exhibit more experience than a deckhand, it’s intriguing to observe who navigates charter season smoothly, and who grapples with every wave. Mistakes are inevitable in this high-pressure environment, but those who commit major missteps often gain notoriety for their blunders, setting them apart from their peers.
Each season of Below Deck unfolds dramatic narratives that reveal how yachties respond to the stress of their roles. Some mistakes result in minor tensions, while others can jeopardize crew members’ jobs or even force them to pivot to entirely different career paths. Whether the missteps stem from unprofessional behavior, reckless actions, or personal struggles, alumni from Below Deck often find themselves forever associated with their errors—especially since these moments are filmed for all to see. Some crew members may battle genuine incompatibility with the rigors of yachting, while others simply fail to possess the necessary qualities to succeed in the demanding world of Below Deck.
8 Danny Zureikat
Below Deck Mediterranean
Danny Zureikat’s tenure on Below Deck Mediterranean season 1 is often remembered for the drama overshadowing his duties as a deckhand. Early into the season, Danny’s immaturity and flirtatious behavior towards guests raised eyebrows. His notorious incident of exchanging phone numbers and taking selfies with guests breached professional etiquette and created discord among crew members, undermining authority and straining team dynamics. Despite receiving multiple warnings from Captain Mark Howard, Danny’s conduct failed to improve.
Ultimately, he was dismissed mid-season, becoming one of the first yachties in the franchise’s history to be terminated before the season concluded. Following his appearance, Danny attempted to pursue an acting career, but it was largely unsuccessful. His lack of accountability served as a glaring example of unprofessional behavior, and while he expressed regret for his actions, the ramifications of his choices reflected poorly on him. Danny’s experiences from this season became an early cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining professionalism in the industry.
7 Ryan McKeown
Below Deck Down Under
Chef Ryan McKeown earned a reputation as one of the most challenging chefs in the Below Deck franchise during his time on Below Deck Down Under. Throughout his debut season, he clashed with nearly all crew members, displaying a strong defiance towards constructive criticism from Captain Jason Chambers regarding the quality and consistency of his meals. Rather than adapt to the guests’ needs, Ryan’s disregard for collaboration led to escalating problems.
As tension mounted, it became clear Chef Jason had no option but to terminate Ryan due to complaints from both guests and crew concerning his services. His ongoing refusal to listen and adapt not only affected the crew’s morale but also culminated in a toxic atmosphere on board. Although Ryan remains active on social media, he appears to have distanced himself from the yachting industry altogether.
6 Tom Pearson
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Tom Pearson’s journey on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 3 ended in catastrophic failure following a significant safety oversight. During a critical night watch, Tom neglected to monitor anchor drag, resulting in the yacht drifting dangerously. Captain Glenn Shephard was understandably furious, having expected a level of vigilance that Tom failed to provide.
Although the yacht avoided a collision, Tom’s lack of attention to a fundamental duty posed a grave safety concern. Even witnessing Tom’s emotional breakdown post-incident did not sway Captain Glenn’s decision; he took the rare step of firing Tom, emphasizing the severity of the blunder to the entire crew.
5 Eddie Lucas
Below Deck
Having been a consistent presence on Below Deck, Eddie Lucas transitioned from deckhand to bosun, showcasing his abilities over the seasons. However, a significant misstep during season 3 dramatically altered his reputation. He engaged in a secret romantic relationship with third stew Rocky Dakota, which led to substantial drama when Eddie denied the rumors to both his crew and his girlfriend back home, only to be caught when Rocky revealed the truth.
This affair negatively impacted Eddie’s standing with viewers and within the crew, branding him as untrustworthy and unprofessional. Even after his return to the show in a higher-ranking position, the shadow of his misconduct tarnished his reputation. Realizing the fallout of reality TV on his personal and professional life, Eddie ultimately chose to step away from the limelight, continuing to work in yachting but distancing himself from reality shows.
4 Ruan Irving
Below Deck Mediterranean
Ruan Irving’s brief time on Below Deck Mediterranean season 8 was marked by controversy rather than exemplary service. Appointed as bosun, he was dismissed before the first charter could even begin due to questionable claims regarding his experience and certification. Captain Sandy Yawn grew suspicious of Ruan’s paperwork, particularly as he only had photocopies of documents, raising concerns about the validity of his credentials.
Despite efforts to address Captain Sandy’s inquiries, Ruan’s evasive responses and failure to provide original documentation ultimately led to his termination before he could commence work on the yacht. This situation highlighted the stringent nature of the yachting industry regarding certification, underscoring the importance of maintaining proper documentation.
3 Hannah Ferrier
Below Deck Mediterranean
During her five-season run as Chief Stew on Below Deck Mediterranean, Hannah Ferrier became a fan favorite. However, her career faced a drastic shift after being publicly fired, which sparked significant viewer backlash. Following reports from bosun Malia White about Hannah’s undeclared prescription medication and a vape pen found in her cabin, Captain Sandy was obligated to take action.
While Hannah was using her medication legally, her failure to disclose this information to Captain Sandy proved problematic. The decision to terminate her employment overshadowed her long history of quality service, leaving fans divided regarding the fairness of Sandy’s actions. Despite this controversy, Hannah has since stepped into new roles in her personal life, becoming a mother, getting married, and starting a podcast, although the circumstances of her firing remain an unforgettable part of her legacy.
2 Leon Walker
Below Deck
Travel me yes at home hello and fun #Yum #me #fun #smile #belowdeck #food #boat #yes #sydney #mexico #drive pic.twitter.com/J1Sm2UN28R— Leon Walker (@starchefleon) October 23, 2015
Chef Leon Walker’s appearance on Below Deck season 3 was marked by conflict, particularly with Chief Stew Kate Chastain. His abrasive demeanor and resistance to adapting to guests’ preferences made him incredibly difficult to work with. The situation escalated when a grease fire broke out in the galley, with Leon bearing most of the responsibility.
In the aftermath, rather than owning up to his errors, Leon deflected blame and hastily left the yacht. Ultimately, Captain Lee Rosbach fired him upon his return, citing Leon’s toxic attitude as detrimental to crew morale. While he later claimed unfair editing shaped his portrayal, his inability to meet guests’ expectations sealed his fate within the industry.
1 Luke Jones
Below Deck Down Under
Luke Jones’s stint on Below Deck Down Under season 2 concluded in disgrace following a serious violation of crew safety. After consuming alcohol during a crew outing, Luke attempted to invade the bed of unconscious stew Margot Sisson without her consent. Promptly addressing the situation, Chief Stew Aesha and the rest of the crew intervened to withdraw Luke from the environment.
Captain Jason acted decisively upon learning of the incident, immediately terminating Luke’s employment without hesitation. This swift action demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct within the franchise, although it also exposed broader issues related to crew behavior. Luke’s firing signaled a new era of accountability within the Below Deck series, illustrating the need for stringent ethical standards on board.
Source: Leon Walker/X