Over the years, several original Below Deck crew members have entered their seasons late for a number reasons such as COVID or visa issues.
Late arrivals of crew members on Below Deck add drama and make the show more enticing to fans.
Margot Sisson joined Below Deck Down Under late but became a fan favorite by the end of the season.
Captain Lee Rosbach and Tumi Mhlongo were absent from Below Deck due to health and visa issues, respectively, adding tension to the show.
There have been several original Below Deck crew members who entered their season late for one reason or another. With crew members on yachts traveling from all around the world, it isn’t shocking when one of them arrives a few days later for whatever reason. One of the most anticipated parts of Below Deck is the very first episode when the fans get to meet any returning or new crew members. The crew is the most important part of the series, so when one is missing, it is definitely felt not only on the boat but by the viewers as well.
Crew members arriving late most recently happened on Below Deck Mediterranean season 8. Chief Stew Tumi Mhlongo and Steward Kyle Viljoen were unable to be there for the first charter due to visa issues. While Tumi made it just after the first charter ended, Kyle is still absent from the season. However, when this happens, it only adds even more drama to season, which makes the show more enticing to fans. Natalya Scudder was excited to take on the role of Temp Chief Stew while Tumi was absent but things quickly turned after Tumi was ready to step into her role.
Margot Sisson
Margot Sisson joined Below Deck Down Under season 2 as the third stew, however, she arrived late. Margot step foot on the yacht one episode later due to a prior commitment she had before agreeing to join the crew in Australia. Even though Margot was late to the game, she was welcomed with open arms by Chief Stew Aesha Scott and quickly picked up on her duties on board.
Margot became one of the most beloved crew members from Below Deck Down Under season 2 and made it all the way to the end of the season, unlike Luke Jones, Laura Bileskalne, and Adam Kodra. Margot may have been late, but she was a fan favorite by the end of the season. She could likely return for Below Deck Down Under season 3.
Gary King
Gary King from Below Deck Sailing Yacht has always been the first one on board, besides Captain Glenn Shepard, since joining the show as the First Officer in season 2. However, at the start of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, Gary was unable to join the crew after contracting COVID-19. While Gary was in good spirits, Captain Glenn didn’t want Gary on board until he had a negative test.
Finally, during episode 3, Gary finally tested negative and was able to join the crew. However, last season may be the last time fans see Gary on their screens, as Gary was recently accused of sexual assault by a Below Deck producer. Weeks after the assault came to light, Gary was even removed from the BravCon 2023 lineup.
Captain Lee Rosbach
Ahead of the premiere of Below Deck season 9, it was revealed that Captain Lee Rosbach will not be joining the crew for the beginning of the charter due to a condition he was suffering from. Lee let Bosun, Eddie Lucas, know about his condition and that he will need a little more time to recuperate before returning to his job. In the meantime, Captain Sean Meagher was at the helm while Lee was absent. Even though Sean was only there for a couple of episodes and one charter, Eddie couldn’t wait for Captain Lee to return.
However, wasn’t this the first time Captain Lee was absent from one of his yachts during a season. On Below Deck season 10, Lee had to step off for a bit due to his condition, and Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean stepped in as his temporary replacement. With his condition preventing Lee from doing his job, it seems he may have stepped away from his Captain duties, seeing as Lee will not be returning for Below Deck season 11. Rumors have been swirling that Captain Kerry Titheradge from Below Deck Adventure will be taking over for Lee.
Tumi Mhlongo
Tumi was also late on Below Deck Med season 8, where she will be working as the chief stew. Prior to her time on Below Deck Med, Tumi was the second stew on Below Deck Down Under and received glowing reviews from Captain Jason Chambers. Jason felt it was time for Tumi to step into the chief stew role, and he recommended her to Captain Sandy ahead of the new season. Unfortunately, Tumi was stuck in customs and had issues with her visa; she had to sit out the first charter while Natayla stepped in as the temporary chief stew.
Now that Tumi has finally made it to the yacht, she will be working the second charter as the chief stew. However, there is some tension with Tumi and Natalya right off the bat. Tumi questioned the yacht’s organization, and Natalya immediately got defensive. It seems there’s a feud brewing between the two already.
Kyle Viljoen
Kyle, who also appeared as a stew on Below Deck Med season 7, has returned for his role on Below Deck Med season 8. However, Kyle was stuck in customs like Tumi and was unable to be there for the season’s first charter. Unlike Tumi, Kyle is still absent from the season but will likely make his appearance during episode 3.
During Below Deck Med season 7, Kyle had a great relationship with his former chief stew, Natasha Webb, and often butted heads with Natalya. Judging from the second episode of Below Deck Med season 8, it seems Kyle and Tumi are already trying to work against Natalya. There may be a feud brewing between Kyle and Natalya as well.
It’s not uncommon for crew members to have trouble making their way to a yacht in a foreign country. There are visa issues and health issues, especially during the height of COVID-19. Nonetheless, Below Deck always knows how to make a season interesting, even when crew members are missing for a short time.
