Raquel ‘Rocky’ Dakota’s Journey After Below Deck Season 3: Where Is She Now?

Raquel “Rocky”Dakota, a notable cast member from Below Deck Season 3, has ventured far beyond the yachting world since her appearance on the show. During her tenure on the Eros megayacht, Rocky emerged as a highly polarizing personality, injecting a dynamic energy into the series that often divided both her fellow crew members and viewers alike.

Her presence on the yacht attracted the attention of deckhand Emilie Kotze, while Rocky also engaged in a brief romantic fling with bosun Eddie Lucas. Although she fostered friendships with some castmates, her relationship with Chief Stew Kate Chastain was tumultuous. Tensions escalated when Rocky accused Kate of being responsible for the dismissal of Chef Leon Walker. In a desperate act to push boundaries, Rocky attempted to get herself fired by jumping overboard in her undergarments and swimming to a nearby vessel. However, she remained with the crew until the end of the season.

Rocky: A Diver’s Journey Post-Below Deck

A Competitive Diver

Following the airing of Below Deck Season 3, Rocky transitioned away from the yachting industry and moved to Hawaii in December 2016. It was a return to a place she cherished from her college years. In Hawaii, Rocky pursued her passions as a surfer, a competitive national diver, and a cook, as detailed by Reality Titbit. However, her social media presence suggests uncertainty about her status as a professional diver, with no updates shared since 2021.

Rocky’s Romantic Life

A New Love: Mark

Despite the chaos of her love life on Below Deck, Rocky found happiness with a man named Mark over five years ago, as reported by Distractify. Together, they celebrated a mutual love for outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, and boating. Their relationship began in 2021, and while Rocky’s Instagram account was briefly private, fans discovered their charming moments together. However, Rocky has not confirmed the current status of their relationship, as she hasn’t posted about him recently, leaving fans in suspense.

Tragedy Strikes: Loss of Rocky’s Sister

Remembering Sophia Tiare Bartlow

In a painful turn of events, Rocky faced the tragic loss of her younger sister, Sophia Tiare Bartlow, who perished in a car accident in 2017. After the tragedy, Rocky frequently honored her sister’s memory on social media, sharing heartfelt posts and expressing her desire to support others grieving similar losses. Her journey through mourning has been transparent and relatable, helping to connect her with those who have endured similar heartbreak.

A Spiritual Awakening

Embracing Faith

In recent years, Rocky has shown a noticeable shift towards spirituality through her Instagram, often sharing biblical verses and religious quotes. This newfound interest contrasts with her previous ambivalence towards religion during her time on Below Deck. A post from May 29 featured a beach scene with the uplifting phrase, “God is good…all the time…God is good!”In April, she even shared a video from a church event with live music, indicating a deeper connection to her faith.

In addition to her spiritual journey, Rocky has recently embraced her patriotic side. On Memorial Day weekend, she celebrated by posting images reflecting her pride in the United States, including selfies while wearing a bikini featuring the American flag. These posts signal a determined dedication to her country, creating a sense of community among her followers.

Rocky’s Life in 2024

The Status Quo

As 2024 approaches, a lot has transformed for Rocky since her Below Deck days, particularly with the significant experiences of loss and a newfound appreciation for faith. She continues to showcase her patriotism through her Instagram, where she often shares images of the American flag and personal milestones. For example, she posted a video of herself donning an American flag bikini top while spending time at the beach on January 23.

Rocky, known for her love of the ocean, regularly updates her social media with daily activities, particularly those involving swimming and diving. Despite her passion for the sea, it is unlikely she will reprise her role on Below Deck, given her challenging experiences on the show and her desire to leave that chapter behind. Rocky is embracing life away from the reality television spotlight, relishing her beachside existence, and focusing on her personal journey.

For those interested, past episodes of Below Deck are available for streaming on Peacock.

Sources: Reality Titbit, Distractify, Raquel Dakota/Instagram

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