Below Deck Med’s Tessa Budd Blasts Captain Sandy After Being Fired

In an unexpected twist, Tessa Budd from Below Deck Mediterranean was not pleased with her dismissal by Captain Sandy Yawn, making her feelings quite apparent.

In the episode that aired on Monday, October 27, bosun Nathan Gallagher faced the tough choice of deciding whether to fire Christian Trimino or Tessa. To everyone’s surprise, Nathan recommended that both Christian and Tessa be replaced. He explained to Sandy that he felt they wouldn’t develop the necessary skills in time to support him through the rest of the season.

Sandy concurred and began by calling Christian in to let him go. Despite previously getting in trouble for allowing a drunk guest into the water at night, Christian accepted his dismissal graciously, though he labeled it a “disappointing” decision.

“The reasons are valid, but I wish I had the chance to prove my capabilities,” he stated in a confessional, also expressing regret for putting “someone in danger” during his duty on deck.

In contrast, Tessa was far less forgiving when summoned to speak with Sandy and Nathan.

“I’m really sorry, but I have to let you go,” Sandy informed Tessa. “I know that your experience is on larger vessels, which is different. But if I may suggest, try working on smaller boats. You’ll learn everything there.”

Tessa dismissed Sandy’s advice, stating to the producers, “Honestly, f*** her. I don’t need her help.”

She went on to express, “I believe Nathan’s leadership style is quite poor. I also didn’t have the chance to fully demonstrate my skills. Good luck to them; it’s their loss.”

Season 10 saw Sandy and Nathan reunited with Aesha Scott, along with former Below Deck star deckhand Max Salvador. The crew also features Chef Josh Bingham and stews Kizzi Kitchener and Victoria SanJuan.

“Consistency results in a better vessel,” Sandy exclusively shared with Us Weekly in September, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable crew from season to season. “You’re not always training new people, and they’re not always finding their footing. However, every season brings a different boat; it’s rare for us to have the same boat repeatedly.”

Sandy did not dismiss the possibility of changes later in the season, noting, “Regardless of whether you return or not, figuring out the new boat is essential, as it will likely be different. Having some consistency is great for me because it builds trust — or allows me to monitor them more closely. Sometimes they excel in certain areas but struggle in others.”

She added, “Aesha is quite versatile. With Nathan, I believe that unless you’re under pressure, you’ll never know if you truly fit. Pressure can enhance our performance. I do apply pressure and let’s see how well Nathan manages it.”

As the Monday episode wrapped up, Captain Sandy found one replacement for the deck — Below Deck Med alum Joe Bradley. However, it remains to be seen who will fill the second open position on deck.

Below Deck Med airs on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.