Season 12 of “Below Deck” has delivered no shortage of workplace drama, and this week’s episode marked the second crew shakeup of the season, following Chef Lawrence’s departure due to stress and anxiety

After several episodes of miscommunication and missed responsibilities, bosun Caio was officially let go by Captain Kerry during Episode 5.

While the firing didn’t come as a major shock to viewers, it still stirred mixed emotions among the crew. Caio’s struggles as a leader seemed less about lack of ability and more about a lack of direction. Throughout the charter, he appeared overwhelmed, often missing key steps or avoiding direct questions from his team. In particular, his failure to manage docking operations properly—twice—proved to be his downfall.

Captain Kerry’s frustration reached a boiling point as the yacht attempted to dock in Sint Maarten. In an Instagram clip posted by Bravo, the captain was heard calling Caio an “idiot” multiple times, often accompanied by expletives. After giving Caio a final chance to prove himself, Kerry ultimately decided to part ways with the bosun, telling him, “I’m losing faith in you.”

With Caio out, fans are already speculating about who might take over his leadership responsibilities. According to a recap posted by Vulture, many point to Jess, a deckhand known for her clear communication and steady professionalism. Earlier in the episode, she publicly addressed Caio’s mismanagement of crew breaks, prompting discussion about her potential as a future team lead.