Drama Unfolds on Below Deck Down Under: Two Crew Members Axed
In the latest episode of Below Deck Down Under, aired on April 14, Captain Jason Chambers made the tough decision to part ways with two crew members following a tumultuous night aboard the super yacht Katina. Deckhand Johnny Arvanitis and Bosun Wihan du Toit were both dismissed, albeit for distinct reasons. Johnny’s departure came after he lost his temper upon discovering his romantic interest, Sous Chef Alesia Harris, in bed with Wihan. Meanwhile, Wihan’s termination stemmed from ongoing performance issues that predated the incident involving Johnny and Alesia.
Throughout Season 3, Captain Jason has faced challenging choices. He previously let go of the original sous chef, Anthony Bird, after a fallout with head chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph. Wihan’s struggle with performance had been an ongoing concern, and despite receiving multiple warnings, he found himself ensnared in drama, ultimately leading to his dismissal. On the other hand, Johnny’s exit was unexpected, given that he had proven to be a capable deckhand throughout the season.
Johnny and Alesia’s “Boatmance”
Alesia Steps In as Sous Chef
Alesia debuted in episode 6 and quickly made an impression during a crew night out filled with dancing and revelry. Johnny was smitten, mentioning he felt like he had been hit by Cupid’s arrow. Although his initial attempt at a kiss was rebuffed by Alesia, she was charmed by his earnest pursuit, leading to a sweet yet brief “boatmance”between the two.
The couple’s time together was limited, but it was precious. They shared sneak kisses around the yacht’s interior, with Johnny even seeking permission from Captain Jason to take Alesia on a date, a significant step in the world of Below Deck.
Despite his confidence in their budding relationship, Johnny had directly warned Wihan to keep his distance from Alesia, which Wihan assured him he would honor.
Unexpected Twist: Alesia in Bed with Wihan
Alesia Mistakenly Believed She Was with Johnny
When Johnny unexpectedly walked in on them, the scene that unfolded was charged—Johnny’s initial shock turned to anger. Alesia insisted it was a misunderstanding fueled by the night’s festivities, but Johnny, having previously warned Wihan about getting close to her, felt deeply betrayed.
Johnny’s Breaking Point: Consequences of Anger
Johnny’s Tempestuous Outburst
After confronting Alesia, who was in a panic trying to clarify the situation, Johnny’s emotional turmoil spilled over as he left the cabin. While Alesia attempted to reassure him about the incident being an error, his inner turmoil led him back to the cabin, where he lashed out in frustration, striking a cabinet with his fist. The commotion drew the attention of Captain Jason, who quickly assessed the situation.
Understanding the necessity for a cooling-off period, Captain Jason arranged for Johnny to spend the night in a hotel off the boat, allowing tensions to settle. When the sun rose the next day, Johnny returned for a meeting with Captain Jason, resulting in the captain’s difficult decision to terminate him due to concerns for crew safety.
Johnny accepted his dismissal with grace, acknowledging he understood the decision and expressed gratitude for his time aboard. He took a moment to bid farewell to Alesia, who was visibly upset, assuring her that he bore her no ill will and attributing the disastrous timing to a chain of unfortunate events.
Alesia’s Guilt Over Johnny’s Termination
Alesia Grapples with Guilt
The morning after Johnny’s firing, Alesia appeared visibly shaken and exhausted. In her discussion with Captain Jason, she expressed a sense of responsibility for the prior night’s events, despite the captain reassuring her that she had done nothing wrong. Chief Stew Lara Rigby confirmed Alesia’s distress, noting her embarrassment and the overwhelming need to process what had transpired.
Despite their reassurances, Alesia wrestled with feelings of guilt. She recognized that while her actions contributed to the escalation, Johnny’s inability to control his emotions ultimately led to his dismissal. As Captain Jason emphasized, the need for a secure environment for both guests and crew is paramount, justifying his decision.
Catch new episodes of Below Deck Down Under, airing Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo for more unfolding drama.