In a dramatic episode from Season 12 of Below Deck, Captain Kerry Titheradge faced a significant challenge when unruly guest Kelly became a safety concern after consuming too much alcohol. This incident quickly escalated, forcing Kerry to consider involving law enforcement. The episode featured returning guests Helen Hoey and her husband Richard Fiore, along with Kelly, whose erratic behavior put both her safety and that of the crew at risk. It was revealed that Helen had a questionable past connection with crew member Kyle Stillie, which tied into the investigation initiated by Kerry.
The trouble began when Kelly ignored Kerry’s instructions to wear a safety vest and insisted on jumping into the water, despite being heavily intoxicated. Kerry’s concern was amplified by her dismissive attitude towards safety, as she loudly challenged his authority, saying she didn’t care about the yacht or his safety directives. Kerry knew that their safety protocols had to be adhered to and stressed the importance of keeping both Kelly and the crew safe. He expressed this urgency in his confessional, acknowledging that Kelly’s actions posed serious safety risks.
Despite his attempts to deescalate the situation, Kerry was met with hostility from Kelly, who accused him and the crew of torturing her. Kerry endured Kelly’s tirades, which included bizarre allusions to having “connections” with the FBI. Unfazed, he stood firm in his authority, directing the deck team to intervene if necessary and to ensure that Kelly returned to her cabin. He knew that the situation warranted decisive action, which included considering calling the authorities.
In an effort to manage the chaos, Kerry ultimately had to lock Kelly in a room for her own safety while reaching out to the police. He reiterated that his paramount responsibility was the safety of all aboard, which he could not ensure if Kelly continued to disregard safety measures. The crew worked to keep her contained, showing just how dire the situation had become. Viewers were left in suspense with a "To Be Continued" message, heightening interest in how the situation would unfold.
Before this incident, Kerry had never previously called the police during his charters, citing his ability to manage issues internally. He admitted to never wanting to involve law enforcement, fearing it might reflect poorly on the vessel. However, he remarked that he could not overlook Kelly’s threatening demeanor, insisting that ensuring the safety of everyone on board took precedence. The guest’s behavior represented not only a refusal to cooperate but indicated deeper issues that Kerry sensed, which complicated the dynamics on the boat.
Ultimately, Kerry’s accounts provided insight into the challenges faced by captains dealing with difficult guests. He emphasized that addressing such issues required a balance of compassion and authority, while navigating the complexities of language barriers—especially when it came to interacting with local authorities. The episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictability that comes with yacht charters, reinforcing that the safety of guests and crew must always take precedence.
