In a dramatic turn of events during Below Deck Down Under season 3, both Deckhand Johnny Arvanitis and Bosun Wihan Du Toit were dismissed in a single decisive moment. The question looms large: is Johnny truly more culpable than his controversial superior? Captain Jason Chambers shed his previous “villain”image by making the tough choice to fire both crew members, fully aware of the increased burden it would place on remaining deckhands Harry Van Vilet and Adair Werley. Fortunately, he swiftly recruited Bosun Nate Salmon and Deckhand Nicolas Cattelan, ultimately allowing the show to maintain its momentum. However, the search for the true antagonist in this scenario continues.
The drama has been relentless this season. Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph, initially thrilled to have a Sous Chef in her kitchen, quickly realized the downside when Anthony Bird proved to be a poor fit, ultimately facing termination himself. Concurrently, Wihan’s inappropriate advances towards nearly every female crew member aboard the Katina have raised eyebrows, starting with a regrettable kiss with Chef Tzarina and culminating in an awkward date with Adair. Even in Wihan’s absence, tensions between Chef Tzarina and Chief Stew Lara Rigby remain palpable, particularly concerning varying standards of service. So, who emerges as the true villain of this saga: Johnny or Wihan?
The Incident That Led To Johnny’s Dismissal
A Dangerous Reaction
Season 3 of Below Deck Down Under reached a boiling point when Johnny, fueled by jealousy and frustration, punched a wall after a night of revelry. This violent outburst ultimately led to his dismissal, an important reminder that even seemingly minor acts of aggression can signal deeper issues, including potential abuse. Adding to the chaos, Alesia Harris, who had developed a romantic connection with Johnny, mistakenly entered the wrong cabin and snuggled up to Wihan, believing it to be Johnny’s bed.
Alesia defended her actions, claiming she believed it was Johnny’s bunk, a statement that seemed plausible given the circumstances captured on hidden cameras. The sight of Alesia in Wihan’s bed triggered a jealous outburst from Johnny, culminating in his vehement declaration that he was done with the boat. Below is a summary of Johnny’s profile:
|
Below Deck Down Under |
Johnny Arvanitis |
|---|---|
|
Astrological Sign |
Gemini |
|
Job |
Deckhand |
|
Hometown |
Athens, Greece |
Understanding the criticality of crew safety, Captain Jason, mindful of past issues—including the attempted assault in season 2—made the difficult but necessary choice to terminate Johnny. His strong work ethic notwithstanding, aggressive behavior can never be overlooked.
Wihan’s Actions: No Less Problematic
The Need for Dismissal
Wihan’s behavior on the Katina can hardly be overlooked. His misguided leadership style and constant boundary violations led to an environment ripe for conflict. Initially, he gave the impression of being adequately competent but proved to be a liability instead, with his lack of communication causing Deckhand Harry to become visibly upset.
Captain Jason’s decision to let Wihan go was undoubtedly justified; his presence seemed to exacerbate the ongoing issues on board. Recall the jetski incident, which saw a guest, unable to swim, capsizing—a situation that could have been averted had Wihan paid heed to his crew’s warnings. This was not merely a one-off mistake; Wihan’s priorities were misplaced, focusing far too heavily on romantic pursuits and distractions rather than leading his team effectively.
Comparing the Transgressions
Wihan’s Conduct Outweighs Johnny’s
While Johnny’s reaction of punching a wall in a moment of drunken frustration was certainly alarming, it is evident that Wihan behaved far worse. Unlike Johnny, who showed genuine remorse and accountability, Wihan appeared dismissive of his situation. The disparity between their reactions to being fired could not be clearer: Johnny at least had the decency to reflect on his mistakes, whereas Wihan seemed to lack that insight.
Ultimately, Captain Jason made a sound decision in dismissing both individuals; however, the scale of their infractions considerably varies. Where Wihan attempted to maintain a façade of innocence during his dismissal, Johnny’s immediate acceptance of responsibility was clear. As Captain Jason astutely noted, Wihan was an “infection” that needed to be excised for the greater good of the crew. Moving forward, I earnestly hope Wihan can learn from his experiences and recognize his shortcomings; the show will undoubtedly benefit from his absence.
Below Deck Down Under season 3 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming on Peacock the following day.