SOUTH AFRICAN WOMAN FOUND DEAD ON YACHT IN BAHAMAS

Just days before her 21st birthday, Paige Bell was found dead in the engine room of a yacht in the Bahamas. Her body was discovered on 3 July.

The superyacht, Far From It, was moored in Harbour Island, Bahamas.

It was evident that Bell’s throat was slit, and there were signs of a struggle. Her body was partially undressed.

Bell, who hails from Durban, worked on the yacht. Her colleague, a Mexican national named Brigido Muniz, was arrested for her murder.

When Bell’s body was discovered, Muniz was next to her with injuries that are believed to be from attempting to commit suicide.

He has since appeared in court and was denied bail, which means he will remain in custody until his hearing on 20 November.

Although safety onboard yachts is super important and often highlighted by those training crew members, the safety is rather focused on the guests than the crew.

Karine Rayson, director of The Crew Coach, said that Bell’s death is a call to action to focus on crew safety.

“It’s shocking that there’s no mandatory requirement for criminal background checks under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Owners assume it’s happening, but often, it isn’t. We need to put pressure on the MLC to review their legislation.”

Bell’s family has returned to South Africa with her ashes.