When you’re sailing the high seas, there is always a chance that a few shocking moments will have to be dealt with. Luckily, Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterannean knows just how to weather the storm. Throughout the show’s eight seasons, the crew has had their fair share of trials and tribulations. But after years of micromanaging, I was curious which moments stood out as the most dramatic on Below Deck Med.
Content warning: This article contains segments related to racial insensitivity.
Paddleboard pals
In a pretty embarrassing moment, Nathan Gallagher and a charter guest get stranded after paddleboarding a bit too far from the motor yacht Mustique. Laura, the guest, just wanted a nice day out on the water with an experienced crew member by her side. But not long after their adventure began, Nathan noted that they had gone “too far. We’ve floated away.” A Bravo camera visual pans out to confirm they are 300 meters from the yacht.
The strong Greek current is working overtime and against the pair. Finally, they have to hitch a ride back via a passing catamaran, which isn’t a good look. Moreover, Captain Sandy was livid. Not only is the skipper close friends with the charter guest, but she also doesn’t like to be embarrassed. Lead deckhand Joe Bradley owns the mistake, noting he should have forewarned Nathan. As always, Sandy reminds the deck team they must always keep an eye on the guests.
Don’t wake Cheffy
During Season 5, Captain Sandy wasted no time telling Chef Tom Checketts to wake up from his nap and cut a few cucumbers. Naturally, the Englishman was not pleased. At the time, Tom asked Aesha Scott, “You don’t have the ability to slice up a cucumber?” to which she responded, “It wasn’t my fault. I’m sorry.” The conversation ended in tears, and Sandy stepped in.
However, during Season 9, fans quickly pointed out how Sandy berated stew, Ellie Dubaich, for attempting to wake chef Johnathan “Jono” Shillingford. The newest chef refused to get out of bed to make grilled cheese for the guest, and Ellie believed she was doing the right thing. However, Captain Sandy made it clear that there was a “never wake the chef” policy. While on Watch What Happens Live, she noted that waking Tom up was because “It was during the day. It wasn’t at night, It wasn’t at the end of dinner service. It was the after-breakfast service.” Okay, we see you, Sandy.
Hannah’s firing
All I will remember about this moment is how Hannah Ferrier made sure to leave the boat with a full-fat Coca-Cola. This shocking scene stands out for obvious reasons. Captain Sandy discovered Hannah had brought Valium onboard without a prescription present, which violated maritime law. Further, many viewers felt that Malia White had sold her bunkmate out. But personally, I think the captain did the right thing. Also, Hannah was never one of my favorites, as she was always pretty mean.
Peter Hunziker scandal
During Season 5, one cast member became a ghost after being edited out for his blatant sexism. Peter Hunziker was fired after he showed his true colors as a man who only puts himself first. Additionally, it didn’t matter who he hurt along the way. Season 5 had an all-female leadership team consisting of Hannah, Captain Sandy, and Malia. The deckhand didn’t get off to a good start after calling his boss “sweetie” and stumbling over his opinions about how women can’t run a business like he could.
After being fired, Peter’s past discretions came to light and included some racist social media posts. In a now-deleted post, Peter shared a photo of a Black woman in a sexual, compromising position with the caption, “When [B]lack men been doin you wrong your whole life and you decide to date the nice caucasian guy Peter from whole foods.” The deckhand commented, “Pretty much.” Consequently, no love was lost on Peter.
Goodbye, Kiko!
Viewers loved Kiko Lorran, but the galley didn’t reciprocate the same emotions. The Wellington was forced to say goodbye to another crew member after Captain Sandy axed the chef. The lackluster Las Vegas-inspired dinner was also the man’s downfall. And even though he had a heart of gold, his jubilant personality couldn’t save him from being given a pink slip.
It didn’t help that Captain Sandy became annoyed with Kiko’s lack of organizational skills in the galley. The chef also needed a bit of help with his plating skills. Typically, Kiko explained that he was a very positive person, but the captain made him “nervous.” Lastly, Kiko agreed to finish out the charter, telling the cameras, “I ask myself, ‘Am I a quitter?’ I never quit. I never quit. Never quit a job. Never. It’s better I finish because that’s my personality. And that’s why I decided to stay, even though it was hurting me so bad.”
Catch Below Deck Med streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – WHICH BELOW DECK MOMENT DO YOU FEEL WAS MOST SHOCKING?
