Below Deck’s Captain Kerry Titheradge encountered masked federal agents during a yacht emergency off the coast of Florida. The reality star had just completed a nine-day Bahamas charter when engine trouble complicated his return trip to Miami.
The yacht, which was reportedly owned by an NBA star, suffered its first engine failure during the journey home. About 10 miles off Florida’s coast, a second engine also failed, leaving Kerry navigating rougher waters with limited power.
Captain Kerry faces masked agents amid yacht emergency
Kerry called TowBoatUS for emergency assistance, but two federal vessels approached the yacht instead. Page Six reported that one vessel belonged to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while the other was operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
According to the report, one vessel carried three or four agents, while the other had seven or eight masked officers aboard. Sources estimated that approximately 12 officers approached the yacht and allegedly ordered Kerry to slow down so they could board.
The captain initially refused. With more than 30 years of boating experience, Kerry was concerned that slowing the yacht in increasingly rough conditions could put everyone aboard at risk. The federal vessels then followed the yacht for nearly two hours.
Kerry eventually reduced speed once he determined it was safe to do so, allowing the officers to board.
The agents searched the vessel for contraband and checked the passengers’ passports. They reportedly spent about an hour examining the visa of one female foreign national aboard the yacht. After completing their checks, the officers allowed the yacht to continue toward shore.
A representative for Kerry told Page Six, “We are glad the situation didn’t escalate and that everyone left safely.” ICE did not respond to the outlet’s request for comment.
Kerry made his reality television debut on Below Deck Adventure in 2022. Two years later, he replaced longtime captain Lee Rosbach on the flagship Below Deck, where he has served as captain since.
The yacht’s NBA-star owner and the passengers’ identities were not disclosed in the report. Despite the tense encounter, everyone aboard reportedly reached shore safely, with no further problems reported during the trip.
