Explosive Shipside Showdowns: Unforgettable Moments and Turbulent Exits on Below Deck Down Under

The Below Deck franchise has never been short on drama, and Below Deck Down Under is certainly no exception. Premiering on Peacock in March 2022, this spinoff show has delivered a memorable dose of feuds, firings, and sheer chaos. Throughout the first season, both fans and the cast themselves struggled to defend chef Ryan McKeown, who proved himself to be a workplace failure and found himself at odds with his coworkers.

Prior to the show's airing, Aesha Scott alluded to the fact that her professional association with Ryan swiftly deteriorated. In an exclusive interview with We in March 2022, the New Zealand native described Ryan as an embodiment of arrogance, labeling him as a challenging individual to get along with. She further expressed that arrogance is not easy to tolerate, regardless of one's profession, and it affects interactions with anyone. Captain Jason Chambers also offered his perspective on the intricate dynamic between Ryan and the crew.

"I have a fondness for everyone. We all had an amazing time. Ryan's cooking was exceptional, as shown in the first episode with the positive response from the guests," expressed the Australian native to Us. Additionally, he mentioned that Ryan was the one who tended to cause the most drama. "If someone becomes affected by someone else's issues, I prefer to let the crew handle it themselves. Through these experiences, they begin to realize the importance of unity," he explained. "Let's avoid going down that path. Instead, let's appreciate our working environment, treat each other with respect, and have a great time together."

Continue reading for more of Below Deck Down Under's most surprising moments.

Credit: NBC (2)

Below Deck Down Under's Biggest Drama Through the Years: Ryan's Dramatic Exit, Jamie's Feud With Ben and More

Stirring the plot! The Below Deck franchise has had its fair share of drama over the years — and Below Deck Down Under is no different.

The spinoff series, premiered on Peacock in March 2022, made a lasting impact on viewers with its intense feuds, firings, and general chaos. Throughout the first season, both fans and the cast found it hard to support chef Ryan McKeown as he consistently underperformed and clashed with his colleagues.

Aesha Scott had hinted at her strained professional relationship with Ryan even before the show aired. In an exclusive interview with We in March 2022, the New Zealand native described Ryan as an extremely arrogant man, making it challenging to get along with him. She emphasized that it's not just difficult for chefs, but for anyone to be around someone with such arrogance.

Captain Jason Chambers also commented on the complicated dynamic between Ryan and the crew. He expressed his positive feelings towards everyone and highlighted the enjoyable moments they had together. The captain praised Ryan for his excellent cooking skills, which were well received by the guests. However, he acknowledged that Ryan often caused drama among the crew. Instead of intervening, Captain Chambers believed in allowing the crew to handle such conflicts among themselves, as it helped them grow and understand the importance of unity. He emphasized the need to avoid engaging in unnecessary conflicts, and encouraged a respectful and enjoyable working environment for all.

Scroll down for more of Below Deck Down Under's most shocking moments:

Credit: Peacock

Ryan's Memorable Exit

Ryan was fired from M/Y Thalassa in a June 2022 episode after a tumultuous relationship with Aesha and Jason. In a dramatic departure, he showed his backside to his previous boss and the camera. Despite criticism, the Philadelphia native remains unapologetic, stating on Instagram two months later, "Perceptions of me differ from person to person. Some may view me as a wonderfully kind individual, while others perceive me as cold-hearted. I accept both opinions and adapt accordingly."

Credit: NBC (2)

Jamie's Ups and Downs With Ben

Throughout their tenure aboard the vessel, Jamie Sayed and Ben Crawley encountered significant difficulties collaborating within the exterior team. Despite receiving unwavering support from Jason, Ben managed to fulfill his responsibilities for the entire season; however, his professional rapport with his bosun never experienced any improvements.

"It was an incredibly intense experience. I constantly had to be vigilant for my own safety," the deckhand shared with Daily Mail Australia in June 2022, reflecting on his time on the yacht. "The most dangerous part was the fishing and dealing with the chain locker. I don't care what anyone says, it was far from safe."

Jamie, on the other hand, argued that he never received the respect he deserved from his teammate. "Benny is a good guy with good intentions. He's fun to hang out with, have drinks, and share a laugh," he explained to the Daily Dish in May 2022. "However, Benny had been away from the yacht industry for a while and had gone through significant personal trauma before the charter season, including the loss of both his parents. I think he just wanted to have a good time and may have forgotten about the demanding workload."

Credit: NBC (2)

Jason's Power Struggle With Jamie

During season 1 of Below Deck Down Under, Jamie expressed his concerns about not receiving enough support from the captain when it came to leading the deck team.

"In any job, it's important to understand the captain and their working style, and vice versa. It took some time because we were all thrown onto the boat together and had to quickly figure things out," the former police officer revealed to Decider in May 2022, mentioning that there was some tension between him and Jason. "Once he becomes comfortable with his bosun, which happens early on, he should just allow the bosun to take charge and trust their judgment."

The Australia native, however, stood by his management style while filming the Peacock series.