Below Deck's João Franco detained in Turkey after fatal brawl in Bodrum
The Portuguese reality show 'Below Deck Mediterranean' participant was arrested in Turkey with his brother Carlos following a fight that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old boy.
Portuguese reality show star arrested in Turkey after teenager's death in altercation
João Franco, former participant on the 'Below Deck Mediterranean' programme — known in Portugal as 'Barcos com Amor' — was detained in Turkey together with his brother Carlos Franco, following a brawl that culminated in the death of a 17-year-old adolescent, according to record.pt.
The incident occurred last weekend in Bodrum, in Mugla province, near a clothing shop. According to local media reports cited by record.pt, a discussion between the two brothers and employees of the establishment escalated rapidly into physical confrontation, involving several men, and necessitated the intervention of police and emergency services.
The young man, identified by Turkish media as Muhammet K., worked in the shop and reportedly fell after receiving a punch, striking his head violently on the ground. He was treated at the scene and transferred to Mugla Training and Research Hospital, where he died two days later.
Security camera footage released by NBC shows several moments of the altercation. In the recordings, Carlos appears as one of the first to strike, whilst João initially attempts to move his brother away from the other participants. At a later stage, however, João also throws a punch at one of the young men, who falls and ends up on the ground.
According to Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, the two brothers were presented to a judge and remanded in custody. Upon arrival at court, both displayed visible injuries: João Franco wore a bandage on his head; Carlos had a bandage near his right eye and one of his arms immobilised.
João Franco, aged 36, was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, the son of Portuguese parents. Before entering the luxury yacht industry, he created a business with his brother transforming off-road vehicles in South Africa. The two eventually changed fields and sought opportunities in ports and vessels in Europe.
His television debut took place in 2018, on the third season of 'Below Deck Mediterranean'. He returned in the fourth season, broadcast in 2019, already as head of the deck crew, under the command of captain Sandy Yawn. In 2023, he joined the second season of 'Below Deck Down Under', under the command of captain Jason Chambers. After an absence in the third season, he returned in the fourth, which premiered in February 2026, as second officer.
In Portugal, the programme is broadcast by SIC Caras under the title 'Barcos com Amor', Monday to Friday in the late afternoon, following the daily lives of crews on luxury yachts.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)