Below Deck legend Captain Lee Rosbach was forced to quit on Monday night's episode due to ongoing health issues "getting worse".
The Bravo TV star, 73, explained his battle with persistent mobility issues is a "humbling experience" as he leaves the hit show's latest series.
Lee, a great grandfather, was forced onto crutches ahead of season 10 due to severe nerve damage caused after undergoing back surgery.
"My injury, it's getting worse," he said in yesterday's episode. "The left side of my body, I don't feel anything."
Captain Lee explained: "I expected a lot more progress than I'm experiencing, and the most frustrating part about it is, I can't do a godd*** thing about it, and it's hard."
Speaking in confessional, he added: "There comes a point if a captain is really being objective, he should be putting the best interests of his crew first because that's your primary responsibility.
"As soon as you step on board, check your f***ing ego at the dock. That's where you leave it."
Later in the episode Lee finally addressed his crew, telling them how "hard it's been" before announcing his departure after 43 years in the industry.
"So I've made a decision to leave the boat," he told his staff.
Furious Below Deck fans took to Twitter after the devastating news was announced, discussing Lee's potential replacement.
"I swear to god if Sandy steps in as Captain for Lee I will cry," blasted one fan. "We deserve better than more Sandy!" said another.
A third penned: "Are you crazy? Literally anyone would have been a better replacement for Captain Lee! We are so tired of Sandy!"
It's not clear how long Captain Lee will stay away from Below Deck after previously revealed that retirement is "highly overrated".
He told E! last month: "You can only go fishing so much, you can only play so much golf. I think people have to stay productive, otherwise they might as well start getting out the shovel.
"I'm still having fun [on Below Deck]. I look forward to every season.
"I always said when it stops being fun or everyone gets tired of looking at me, then I'll step away. But until one of those two things happen, I don't see myself going anywhere."
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