Below Deck Down Under captain involved in a shocking superyacht crash

Captain Jason Chambers has attracted attention for being the youngest captain in the history of the Below Deck franchise.

But it turns out that the Below Deck Down Under captain made headlines long before he entered the world of reality TV.

In 2019, he was captaining a luxury superyacht in Cairns, Queensland when a mechanical failure caused the vessel to crash into a marina.

Shock past: Below Deck Down Under’s new captain Jason Chambers was involved in a dramatic superyacht crash back in 2019

Making matters worse, the yacht narrowly missed a seafood restaurant on the marina called Prawn Star.

‘It was scary, people were screaming and very frightened. But no-one was hurt and that’s the most important thing,’ Prawn Star’s manager told ABC at the time. 

Luckily, Jason’s quick thinking under pressure was credited for lessening the impact of the crash.

‘We used about thrust to come clear, went astern to try and exit the marina but it was still going ahead at all times,’ he told 7News.

Oh no! In 2019, he was captaining a luxury superyacht in Cairns, Queensland when a mechanical failure caused the vessel to crash into a marina

Oh no! In 2019, he was captaining a luxury superyacht in Cairns, Queensland when a mechanical failure caused the vessel to crash into a marina

‘We took control in the wheelhouse to see if it was a control fault, it was still going ahead so we did what we’re trained to in collisions,’ he continued.

‘We shut down all engines, dropped an anchor and thank God we selected a nice spot where there was no personnel.’

Jason also confirmed that a jammed gear was the result of the crash, and that the multimillion-dollar superyacht only sustained superficial damage in the accident. 

'It was scary, people were screaming and very frightened': The yacht narrowly missed a seafood restaurant on the marina called Prawn Star

‘It was scary, people were screaming and very frightened’: The yacht narrowly missed a seafood restaurant on the marina called Prawn Star

Meanwhile, Below Deck Down Under is set to premiere exclusively on hayu in Australia on March 18.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the tropical Whitsunday Islands and world-famous Great Barrier Reef in north-eastern Australia, Below Deck Down Under explores the complex, often explosive dynamics of the crew and a rotating group of demanding charter guests on M/Y Thalassa. 

The handsome Captain Chambers is featured prominently in the trailer, and in one scene he flaunts his muscular physique while exiting the water. 

Coming soon: Below Deck Down Under is set to premiere exclusively on hayu in Australia on March 18, and a trailer for the show teases some major drama and hookups

Coming soon: Below Deck Down Under is set to premiere exclusively on hayu in Australia on March 18, and a trailer for the show teases some major drama and hookups 

Setting the tone for the entire crew, the new captain has a hands-on leadership approach and will do whatever it takes to make sure the guests have an unforgettable vacation, including mesmerising under-water excursions like scuba diving, snorkelling, and some close encounters with marine life.

Though the dynamics on board are initially smooth sailing, a boatload of problems bubble up when the chef immediately falls out of sync with the chief stewardess.

The deck team also hits rocky waters when the bosun’s firm management style is called into question by a free-spirited team member with an aversion to rules.

Between charters, the yachties blow off steam by taking full advantage of Australia’s world-renowned nightlife, where drama, surprising flirtations, and wild adventures heat up their well-deserved nights off.

Wet and wild! Jason is featured prominently in the trailer for Below Deck Down Under, and in one scene he flaunts his muscular physique while exiting the water.

Wet and wild! Jason is featured prominently in the trailer for Below Deck Down Under, and in one scene he flaunts his muscular physique while exiting the water.

Fan favourite Aesha Scott, best known for appearing on Below Deck Mediterranean, will serve as Chief Stewardess this season.

The trailer has already teased some explosive clashes between Aesha and outspoken chef Ryan McKeown.

Other scenes show some raunchy hot tub hook-ups, demanding guests, and some extremely dangerous mishaps on board.

In one scene, a crew member appears to be burned after a BBQ bursts into flames in his face.

Below Deck Down Under will be available to stream in Australia exclusively on hayu from March 18

Fiery: In one scene from the trailer, a crew member appears to be burned after a BBQ bursts into flames in his face

Fiery: In one scene from the trailer, a crew member appears to be burned after a BBQ bursts into flames in his face

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