Captain Lee Rosbach forced to leave Below Deck: ‘One of the most humbling experiences of my life’
‘I owe it to my crew to do right by them,’ captain said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Captain Lee Rosbach, who has helmed Bravo’s Below Deck since its debut in 2013, has been forced to leave the yachting series early.
In Monday’s episode of the reality TV series (12 December), Rosbach revealed that he could not overcome persistent health issues and decided to leave season 10 prematurely.
The 73-year-old said: “I owe it to my crew to do right by them.”
Rosbach, nicknamed “the stud of the sea”, announced his exit on Monday’s episode, informing his crew that ongoing health issues have forced him to exit the show.
At the beginning of the charter season, the captain admitted that he was struggling with nerve issues when he boarded a yacht, named St David, but he hoped his symptoms would subside.
Piers Morgan calls on King Charles to strip Harry and Meghan of all titles ‘before they destroy monarchy’
Kate Hudson reveals whether she’ll have more kids: ‘I’ve been having children my entire adult life’
Royal reporter claims it is ‘gaslighting’ to suggest palace staff did not brief against Meghan and Harry
In an interview later in the series, he shared: “My injury, it’s getting worse. The left side of my body, I don’t feel anything.”
He revealed that he expected “a lot more progress” in recovery from his injury, which was “frustrating” him.
Later, he told chef Rachel Hargrove: “This has probably been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.”
As Monday’s episode went on, Rosbach realised that his health concerns might have had an impact on the whole boat.
“The pain’s getting worse, not better,” he said. “I owe it to my crew to do right by them. They expect that out of me.”
He continued: “There comes a point if a captain is really being objective, he should be putting the best interests of his crew first because that’s your primary responsibility.”
At the end of the episode, Rosbach called a crew meeting, telling his colleagues: “As you guys know, I’ve been struggling with my mobility, and it’s been hard. And I’ve let you guys down, and for that I apologise. So I’ve made a decision to leave the boat.”
It’s unknown who will step into the wheelhouse to captain St David, but an earlier scene showed Rosbach calling an unnamed captain as he prepared for his departure from the yachting show.
Rosbach found his passion for the sea in his thirties. The captain worked in the restaurant industry before obtaining his captain’s license, aged 35. Since then, he has commanded more than a dozen super yachts.
He has also authored a book titled Running Against the Tide: True Tales from the Stud of the Sea, which is a personal memoir recounting his journey from his hometown, Michigan, to the high seas.
In Below Deck season 10, Rosbach captained a new super yacht and sail it around the Caribbean with his crew.
Next week’s Below Deck episode is expected to pick up from Rosbach’s departure and show the fallout from the news.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments