Captain Sandy Yawn says Nathan Gallagher is getting help and has stopped drinking after his domestic violence arrest.
The “Below Deck Mediterranean” star, 28, was convicted in absentia on Sept. 1 of assault causing actual bodily harm, choking and common assault against his ex-girlfriend Gael Cameron, 29, at a Sydney apartment complex last December. Yawn, who has remained in contact with Gallagher, shared an update on his efforts to turn his life around during an exclusive interview’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” Tuesday night before setting sail on City Cruises in New York City.
“Nathan struggles,” she told the outlet. “We talk, and I encourage him to stop drinking and get help, and that’s what he’s doing right now.”
“He’s stopped drinking, he’s going to meetings and he’s trying to change his life.”
Yawn’s comments mark the first public indication of Gallagher’s post-conviction path since he broke his silence one week before his Sept. 1 hearing. In an August interview, the former bosun acknowledged his own failings while disputing the single-narrative portrayal of his relationship with Cameron.
“I’m not claiming I was perfect. I wasn’t,” he told the outlet. “I made mistakes and I will take responsibility for my own actions.”
“But I will not accept being portrayed solely through one person’s account of a relationship when there is another side and evidence relating to it.”
Gallagher claimed to possess “contemporaneous video footage from the night in question, as well as messages and other records,” which he believed would “provide important context.” He also referenced undisclosed circumstances surrounding the relationship’s breakdown, previous allegations Cameron had made about a former partner, and financial matters tied to a Sydney apartment purchase.
“There are also other matters surrounding the relationship that I have never discussed publicly, including circumstances surrounding the breakdown of our relationship, previous allegations she made about a former partner and financial matters relating to the purchase of an apartment in Sydney,” he continued.
“I have kept the evidence and will deal with it through the appropriate channels. But I also don’t believe it is fair for one version of events to be presented publicly as though it is the complete story when there is evidence that may materially contradict or provide significant context to that account.”
Judge Janine Lacy found the offenses “proven” and issued an arrest warrant after Gallagher failed to attend the hearing. Court documents submitted to the proceeding alleged that Gallagher “suffocated and choked” Cameron at their family home in December 2025, using “one hand to cover” her mouth and nose. The document stated that Cameron, with whom Gallagher shares 1-year-old son Kayden, “tried to pull away,” but Gallagher allegedly “persisted and continued to cover her mouth, causing the victim to be unable to breathe at certain times.” After Cameron elbowed Gallagher in the mouth, he allegedly “placed both of his hands” around her neck, then used an open palm to strike her “on the left side of her jaw, [which] caused pain and swelling.” Gallagher reportedly denied choking Cameron.
Bravo has formally severed its relationship with Gallagher, with a network spokesperson confirming to the outlet that the network cut ties with him.
The “Below Deck Med” Season 11 finale, filmed in summer 2025 before the arrest, aired on Oct. 5 without acknowledging Gallagher’s legal situation. Yawn defended the omission, noting that the violence occurred after production wrapped and away from the yacht.
“I don’t really want to comment on what happened [with Gallagher and Cameron] because I wasn’t there,” she explained. “I just have heard third, fourth person down the row.”
“I think, not knowing that information, he had exactly what he deserved because nothing had happened on the boat or during filming. It was after.”
Cameron broke her silence following the finale, posting to her Instagram Story to thank supporters and describe her healing process.
“It’s been a tough season, but I have been using the past few months to quietly heal and rebuild for little man and myself,” she wrote. “I really appreciate the love you have sent our way, especially with everything that’s come to light.”
“I’m really working on finding myself again and moving forward.”
Yawn’s Tuesday night appearance on City Cruises New York came as she offered her perspective on a former crew member whose legal troubles have continued to generate headlines across the reality television landscape.