Season 12 of “Below Deck” has delivered no shortage of workplace drama, and this week’s episode delivered the season’s second crew shakeup following Chef Lawrence’s departure due to stress and anxiety.
So, who was relieved of duty?
Miscommunication & Missed Responsibilities
After several episodes of miscommunication and missed responsibilities, bosun Caio was officially let go by Captain Kerry during Episode 5.
While the firing didn’t come as a major shock to viewers, it still stirred mixed emotions among the crew. Caio’s struggles as a leader seemed less about lack of ability and more about a lack of direction. Throughout the charter, he appeared overwhelmed, often missing key steps or avoiding direct questions from his team. In particular, his failure to manage docking operations properly—twice—proved to be his downfall.
Captain Kerry’s frustration reached a boiling point as the yacht attempted to dock in Sint Maarten. In an Instagram clip posted by Bravo, the captain was heard calling Caio an “idiot” multiple times, often accompanied by expletives. After giving Caio a final chance to prove himself, Kerry ultimately decided to part ways with the bosun, telling him, “I’m losing faith in you.”
Jess Steps Up While Crew Finds New Balance
With Caio out, fans are already speculating about who might take over his leadership responsibilities. According to a recap posted by Vulture, many viewers have pointed to Jess—a deckhand known for her clear communication and steady professionalism.
Earlier in the episode, she publicly addressed Caio’s mismanagement of crew breaks, prompting discussion about her potential as a future team lead. At one point, during a beach scouting mission, Kerry asked Jess directly about Caio’s leadership style. “Caio is clearly not used to managing a lot of people and seems scatterbrained,” she told the captain. When Kerry asked if she felt he was “out of his depth,” she agreed.
Despite her frustrations, Jess remained composed, gaining favor with both her team and Kerry. Her ability to voice concerns while staying respectful is positioning her as a likely candidate for promotion in upcoming episodes.
Meanwhile, the dynamics aboard the yacht remain tense, especially within the interior team. Rainbeau, who has struggled to connect with the other stews, continues to feel isolated. “I’ve always had a problem connecting with other girls,” she confesses, setting up what could be an emotional storyline in future episodes.
With docking challenges, interpersonal rifts, and shifting alliances, “Below Deck” Season 12 continues to balance yachting logistics with reality TV fireworks. Caio’s departure may have closed one chapter, but it opens the door for new leadership and even more drama on the high seas.
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