Captain Lee's Transition from 'Below Deck' to 'Deadly Waters': A Revealing Insight

Captain Lee Rosbach, who has been on Below Deck for 10 years, revealed that his experience on the Bravo series did not really prepare him for his new role on Oxygen's Deadly Waters. Despite both shows involving cameras and water, Lee, 74, explained that the similarities end there.

Lee jokingly mentioned the recent drama on Below Deck while talking about his new project. He mentioned, "On Below Deck, they have to worry about Jill Zarin and her ice cubes not fitting or being the wrong size."

His true crime show, Deadly Waters, deals with much more serious stakes. Lee explained, "You're dealing with bodies appearing and the impact it has on the family members left behind - the mothers, fathers, sisters, and other loved ones."

Lee had been with the Below Deck franchise since it first started in 2013 before he joined Deadly Waters. During the filming of season 10 in 2022, he had to take a break to focus on his health. Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean stepped in temporarily to fill his role before Lee made a comeback later in the season.

Captain Lee Teases Similarities Between Deadly Watersand 'Below Deck

Season 11 started with a change as Captain Lee was replaced by Captain Kerry Titheradge from Below Deck Adventure. This shift gave Lee the opportunity to explore new ventures such as his podcast "Salty With Captain Lee" and his show Deadly Waters. In Deadly Waters, Lee delves into homicide investigations on rivers, lakes, and the open seas, using his expertise to uncover the maritime clues that helped solve the cases and capture the culprits.

Lee shared that sometimes, inexperience can be a red flag for a captain or operator who may have missed important details, leading to costly mistakes. He also noted that perpetrators often lack knowledge of maritime conditions like wind, waves, and tides, which can ultimately be their downfall. Despite the challenges, this lack of awareness can work in favor of law enforcement.

After a break from filming, Lee expressed his satisfaction at returning to the screen with Deadly Waters.

Lee was particularly drawn to the true crime aspect of the series.

"For one, it’s related to water, which always catches my interest. I also enjoy crime shows like Law & Order and whodunits," he shared. "I'm the type of person who tries to solve the mystery before the end, only to realize I was way off."

He explained that dealing with real-life events where lives have been lost or affected adds a new twist to the experience, making it more real than acting on a show like Law & Order. Once an episode is over, those people are not coming back, adding a level of realism that can only be experienced and lived.

Lee's time on Below Deck may not have helped him on the show, but his experience as a captain did.

"When a murder is committed on dry land, the perpetrators may try to hide the body by driving it somewhere or burying it. However, when a murder occurs on water, the common instinct is to dispose of the body over the side. But what many fail to consider is the impact of tides, currents, and wind waves," explained Lee, a veteran mega yacht captain with over thirty years of experience. "What sinks to the bottom may not necessarily stay there, especially if they lack knowledge of the ocean's forces."

Lee emphasized, "This lack of understanding puts perpetrators at a disadvantage. Bodies often do not remain where they are placed or intended to be. This is where individuals serving in maritime law enforcement agencies, such as the Coast Guard, maritime police, and Navy, have a significant advantage. They possess the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of the ocean."

He further noted, "These dedicated individuals have a challenging and often gruesome task. Their involvement is essential in solving crimes committed on the water."

Lee also shared which case from Deadly Waters intrigued him the most.

He expressed his curiosity about what drives people to commit such heinous acts. Lee pondered, "What makes them go from being an ordinary person to someone capable of cold-blooded murder without remorse?" He emphasized that he does not understand nor concern himself with the inner workings of their minds. Lee's main focus is on ensuring that these individuals are apprehended and face the consequences of their actions. However, he also admitted that there are times when he feels the punishment may not be proportionate to the crime.

Deadly Waters With Captain Lee premieres on Oxygen Saturday, June 1, at 9 p.m. ET and episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Captain Lee Rosbach's transition from "Below Deck" to "Deadly Waters" highlights the vast differences between the two shows. While both involve water, "Deadly Waters" delves into true crime and homicide investigations, contrasting with the interpersonal drama of "Below Deck." Lee's expertise as a captain provides valuable insights into maritime clues and the behavior of perpetrators, who often lack the understanding of ocean forces that can ultimately lead to their downfall.

Lee's fascination with true crime and his desire to solve mysteries before the end add a personal touch to his role in "Deadly Waters." He emphasizes the realism of dealing with real-life events where lives have been lost, adding a level of gravity to the investigations. The show sheds light on the challenging and often gruesome task of maritime law enforcement agencies in solving crimes committed on the water. Captain Lee Rosbach's experience and perspective bring a unique dimension to "Deadly Waters," offering viewers an intriguing exploration of maritime crime and the intricacies of the ocean's forces.