Below Deck Season 12, Episode 3 Recap: Sink or Swim. Porn stars, panic attacks, floating toys, and foot baths…Below Deck Season 12, Episode 3 delivers maximum chaos with minimal leadership. Chef Anthony is back with a vengeance, Caio is barely afloat, and Fraser’s patience is being tested from all sides.

🍽 Chef Anthony’s Return: Feelings & Food

Chef Anthony is officially back and this time he’s not just bringing recipes, he’s bringing feelings. He confesses to Fraser that there’s some unresolved tension lingering from last season. Surprisingly, he and Chef Lawrence click in the galley, with Anthony even getting some personality out of our once-prickly primary chef. Could this be a redemption arc for both?

🧼 Solène vs. Rainbeau: Who’s the Real Interior Wreck?

Solène might not be cut out for yachting. Her “learning curve” is more of a flatline, and it’s pushing Rainbeau to the brink. From Febreze hacks to clapping back over linens, their dynamic is wild. Rainbeau tries tough love, but Solène is giving “I still miss my ex from Season 11” energy instead of growth.

By the end of the episode, Rainbeau is literally sobbing from frustration at 2AM. One minute she’s curating floral tablescapes, the next she’s spiraling over bed-making. It’s interior chaos.

🌈 Fraser Is No Kate Chastain… But He’s Trying

Fraser is giving it his best shot, juggling a clueless green stew, a traumatized second stew, and porn star guests who want lube in every room. He’s trying to stay upbeat, but even he can’t keep a straight face when Captain Kerry can’t find his uniform… again. Someone check the laundry team!

Still, I appreciate Fraser’s effort. No, he’s not Kate, but he’s holding this circus together with duct tape and charisma.

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🍌 Bosun Breakdown: Caio Can’t Hack It

If anyone’s on the chopping block next week, it’s Caio. The deck team is a mess. Jess and Damo are starving, literally, because Caio can’t make a schedule. Kyle’s chasing a runaway banana float in open water, and Caio is off… doing what, exactly?

Captain Kerry has a heart-to-heart with him, but let’s be real: that’s a pre-firing pep talk if I’ve ever heard one. Prediction: Jess gets promoted and Caio gets the boot. Mark it.

🛥 The Porn Star Charter: Chaos, Champagne, and Deep-Throated Fists

Yes, the guests are porn stars. Yes, someone tried to fist their own mouth at the dinner table.

Bárbara shares a beautiful coming out moment with the guests, timed perfectly with Pride Month. Production, we see you, and we love the gesture.

But between storms, themed cabaret dinners, and wildly confusing guest relationships (“he’s my porn boyfriend but also married”), this charter is gold.

🌊 Final Thoughts

“Fight Island” wasn’t just a cheeky title, it was the state of the boat. Fraser’s barely keeping things afloat, Rainbeau’s unraveling, Caio’s floundering, and Solène? She’s just vibing to her own tune.

But if there’s one bright spot? Chef Anthony. He’s calmer, wiser, and already shaping up to be the season’s underdog hero. Be sure to catch Below Deck every Monday on Bravo.

Join Gelsey and I tonight for Anchor Watch, our weekly late-night Below Deck recap at 10:30PM ET / 7:30PM PT

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