Captain Sandy Yawn has spoken out about former Below Deck Mediterranean castmate Nathan Gallagher. She revealed that he is attempting to turn his life around after his recent domestic violence conviction and legal troubles in Australia.
Speaking to Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast on October 13, the veteran superyacht captain shared insights into her private communications with Gallagher. She noted that she has consistently encouraged him to seek professional guidance and address his personal struggles.
“Nathan struggles,” Yawn told the outlet. “We talk, and I encourage him to stop drinking and get help, and that’s what he’s doing right now. He’s stopped drinking, he’s going to meetings and he’s trying to change his life.”
Background on Nathan Gallagher’s Legal Case and Arrest
Gallagher, a 28-year-old former bosun who appeared on the Bravo reality hit, was arrested in Sydney, Australia, in December 2025 following an alleged domestic incident at an apartment complex. Court documents showed that the altercation involved his former girlfriend and fellow Below Deck Mediterranean cast member, Gael Cameron. The two share a 1-year-old son named Kayden.
Police cited Gallagher for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally choking a person without consent, and common assault. On September 1, a New South Wales court found the charges proven. Judge Janine Lacy officially convicted him on three counts of domestic violence. Gallagher missed the September hearing, which prompted court officials to issue an active arrest warrant.
Before his sentencing, Gallagher addressed the public in an August statement to Rolling Stone. He acknowledged that he was “not perfect” and had “made mistakes,” but he disputed certain aspects of the narrative. He claimed to have video footage, message logs, and other evidence that would provide broader context about the end of his relationship with Cameron.
Bravo Network Action and Season Finale Fallout
A spokesperson for Bravo confirmed that the network cut ties with Gallagher and has no plans to work with him in future seasons.
The controversy also sparked discussion among viewers about the timing of Below Deck Mediterranean Season 11. Some fans were surprised that the legal fallout was not mentioned during the season finale, which aired on October 5. However, Captain Sandy Yawn defended the ending. She emphasized that the incident happened long after filming wrapped in the summer of 2025.
“I don’t really want to comment on what happened because I wasn’t there,” Yawn explained. “I think, not knowing that information, he had exactly what he deserved because nothing had happened on the boat or during filming. It was after.”
Gael Cameron and Costars Respond
Following the season finale, Gael Cameron updated her followers on Instagram and thanked them for supporting her and her young son.
“It’s been a tough season, but I have been using the past few months to quietly heal and rebuild for little man and myself,” Cameron wrote on her Instagram Story. “I really appreciate the love you have sent our way, especially with everything that’s come to light. I’m really working on finding myself again and moving forward.”
Other franchise alumni also rallied around Cameron. Chief stew Aesha Scott posted messages on social media urging fans to offer grace and compassion to Cameron, highlighting the hidden emotional challenges faced behind the scenes.
As Gallagher navigates his legal standing in Australia and his personal rehabilitation, Captain Sandy Yawn expressed hope that he will take full accountability for his actions as he moves forward.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, support is available. In the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for confidential assistance.
