Captain Lee of ‘Below Deck’ announced exit due to health issues. He’s where he stands

Hold up!

Lee Rosbach freaked “Below Deck” fans out on last week’s episode when he announced he was leaving the hit Bravo show to deal with ongoing health issues.

But don’t count out the veteran seaman just yet.

The 73 year old reality star initially told disappointed crew members that he had to recuperate and hand the wheel over to costar/colleague Sandy Yawn. It wasn’t clear if the change was temporary or permanent, but many fans thought the worst.

The show actually filmed back in February when Rosbach was apparently suffering from painful nerve damage in his left leg. In a confessional, the Michigan native told cameras that he felt he felt he was bringing everyone down as a “liability.”

“As you know, I’ve been struggling with my mobility. So I made a decision to leave the boat,” the Fort Lauderdale resident told his charges. “My mind’s there, my heart’s there, my body just won’t cooperate. I’ve never quit. This time I have to.”

But Rosbach is a man of his word.

“I made a promise to the crew before I left that I would be back before they were done, before the season was over, and I would walk on board by myself unassisted,” he told People. “I’m happy to say that I was able to fulfill the promise.”

After undergoing intense physical therapy, Rosbach can soon re-assume the helm, despite some limitations.

“I will put in the work. I will deal with the pain. I am going to come back and finish what I started,” he said.

On Monday, pal Yawn posted a welcome back/get well message with a snap of the two.

“Always happy to help a fellow captain when called upon. Here’s to your quick recovery @captain_lee_rosbach and your boat will be waiting for you when you get back later this season,” she wrote.