Below Deck Down Under’s Harry Van Vliet Suffers Gruesome Thumb Injury – Is His Season Over?
On the latest episode of Bravo’s Below Deck Down Under, fans witnessed a nail-biting moment (literally) as deckhand Harry Van Vliet faced a horrific injury that could change the course of his season. During the February 17 episode, while attempting to secure a jet ski, Harry’s thumb met a tragic fate. Straddling the watercraft, he accidentally clipped it, leading to an intense wave causing his thumb to get trapped. The scene escalated quickly as Harry screamed for help, holding his bloodied hand high and shouting, “Hook down! Hook down!” Captain Jason Chambers rushed to his aid but it was evident Harry was in serious pain.
The medic on board detailed the shocking extent of the injury: Harry was missing his entire nail and faced possible skin loss. As the medic cautioned him about infections from water exposure, he suggested that an X-ray might be necessary, an ominous sign for Harry’s potential future on the show. Despite pain medication, he struggled with simple tasks like changing his clothes and carrying deck chairs, leading to concerns among his crew about how this injury could drastically affect their efficiency.
Interestingly, Harry’s predicament wasn’t just a personal crisis; it had implications for the entire deck team, with fellow deckhand Wihan Du Toit voicing his worries. Captain Jason shared, “I don’t want to lose Harry… he’s got good energy.” The dynamics of the yacht crew could shift dramatically if this injury sidelines Harry for an extended period.
For context, Below Deck has seen several shocking crew departures over the years, often stemming from injuries or behavioral issues. From Camille Lamb’s controversial exit in season 10 to Kyle Dickard’s dismissal just three episodes into his stint, the franchise is no stranger to drastic changes. So, as fans tune into the gripping drama unfold, they’re left on the edge of their seats—will Harry push through, or could this be the end of his Below Deck journey?
Catch the next episode to find out if Harry can rise from this challenge or if he’ll join the ranks of the franchise’s quick exits.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and E! Online, BravoTV, The Daily Beast
