Below Deck Med: Anastasia Surmava Announces She’s Engaged To BF Will
Below Deck Mediterranean alum Anastasia Surmava recently shared the happy news that she is now engaged to her boyfriend, Will Higginson. Fans may remember Anastasia as the third stew in Below Deck Med season 4. Anastasia was born in the Republic of Georgia and came to the United States with her mother when she was 2 years old. She shared on Below Deck Med how her mother, who is a pastry chef, inspired her love of cooking.
In Below Deck Med season 4, Anastasia had to put her cooking skills to use when Chef Mila Kolomeitseva was fired by Captain Sandy Yawn. Despite Chef Mila’s boasts about her culinary skills and Le Cordon Bleu training, she continuously disappointed the charter guests by serving dishes like nachos and fish from a can. Anastasia, who had previously cooked on smaller boats, took over the galley until Captain Sandy was able to find a replacement chef.
Since Below Deck Med season 4, Anastasia has been keeping busy with her business venture she started with her former chief stew Hannah Ferrier. The two Below Deck Med alums formed Ocean International Training Academy, which provides courses and certifications for those wanting to work in the yachting industry. Anastasia has also found love with handsome British model Will Higginson. Anastasia recently shared a video on her Instagram page with the caption, “Wait till the end.” The video shows Anastasia and Will with a group of friends vacationing at a lake house in Vermont. The end of the video shows Will on one knee proposing to a surprised Anastasia and presenting her with a beautiful diamond ring.
Anastasia’s Below Deck family showered her with their good wishes. Hannah wrote, “Congratulations my angel!!! Could not be happier for you guys! Love you so much x.” Alli Dore, who was on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 1 said, “Oh my gosh congratulations!!!!! This is so beautiful and exciting I’m so happy for you babe.” Will posted a picture on his Instagram page of Anastasia kissing his cheek and showing off her ring with the caption, “SHE SAID YES!” Anastasia commented, “I LOVE YOU!!!!! MY FIANCÉ.”
Many of the former Below Deck crew have been leaving their yachting careers behind to settle down and start families. Hannah officially retired as a yachtie after being fired by Captain Sandy for having unreported meds on board. She is now living happily on land with her fiancé, Josh Roberts, and their daughter, Ava Grace Roberts. Alli is also a mom of baby boy River George, whom she shares with her boyfriend, Benny Thompson. It is unclear where Below Deck Mediterranean star Anastasia and Will may place their roots as they both share a love of traveling. But for now, the happy couple is celebrating what Anastasia said was “the best weekend of my life.”
Sources: Anastasia Surmava/Instagram, Will Higginson/Instagram