Below Deck Spoilers: Did Captain Lee Quit Before Season 11?

Below Deck season 11 spoilers reveal that Captain Lee will not return to the show that made him into the beloved Stud Of The Sea, as fans love to call him. And that shocker sparked rumors about why Lee left Below Deck. For instance, some fans speculated that Captain Lee retired. But others worried that Bravo had fired the fan fave.

Find out the truth about why Captain Lee will not star in season 11 of Below Deck. And learn what he shared. Get all the details below.

Below Deck Spoilers – Season 11 Will Set Sail Without Captain Lee

Captain Lee has become linked to Below Deck since the reality TV show began. As a result, fans felt shocked to learn that season 11 would set sail without the famous Stud Of The Sea, as he became known. But now Lee has ended his silence on his departure via Us magazine.

And the 73-year-old captain shared that he did not make the decision to depart the deck. However, he also noted what he wants Below Deck fans to understand. “I did not quit,” said Lee. And he added, “I did not retire. I was just not invited back.”

However, Captain Lee admitted that he understands Bravo’s concerns about inviting him to return for season 11 of Below Deck. “I guess I can see their point of view. They really couldn’t get a straight answer from anyone on how my health was,” he pointed out.

Below Deck Spoilers – Captain Lee Explains Health Status

As viewers of past seasons know, Captain Lee has struggled with several health problems. And at one point, he departed the boat, turning over the helm to Below Deck Med Captain Sandy. But Lee revealed that his doctors have experienced challenges in diagnosing the reason for his health concerns.

And at this point, the captain shared that his doctors only know that he suffers from a “nerve issue.” But that nerve problem got so bad during season 10 that Lee felt forced to exit the show temporarily. “My injury, it’s getting worse. The left side of my body, I don’t feel anything,” the captain confessed during one episode. 

And Lee shared his frustrations. “I expected a lot more progress than I’m experiencing,” he admitted. “And the most frustrating part about it is, I can’t do a goddamn thing about it,” added Lee. “And it’s hard.”

This won't be the last we'll see of the longtime 'Below Deck' star, though. https://t.co/JwgpzsxjID

— Parade Mag (@ParadeMagazine) April 14, 2023

Below Deck Spoilers – Season 11 Begins Filming

But the captain has tried to stay positive. And he revealed, “Back surgery came out great, it really did.” However, temporarily leaving the boat amid the season became a first for Lee. And he pointed out, “I’ve never, ever done [that] before in my career or in my life.” As a result, season 10 included “situations where you’re gonna go like, ‘Wow, didn’t see that coming at all.’ And not only will it be true for the viewers,” he added of his departure. But “it was also true for myself and the crew.”

In the wake of Lee’s health struggles, he will leave Below Deck before season 11 begins. However, the show will continue. And rather than Lee, Below Deck Adventure’s Captain Kerry will star in season 11. New episodes have begun filming in Grenada.

Tell us what you think. How do you feel about Bravo not inviting Captain Lee to return for Below Deck season 11? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more reality TV news.