A luxury superyacht chartered for a high-end summer voyage became the scene of a devastating crime earlier this month. A 20-year-old South African crew member, Paige Bell, was found dead aboard the Far from It, a £100,000-per-week vessel docked near Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bell was sexually assaulted and murdered while working on board. She was discovered in the yacht's engine room. The main suspect, Mexican national Brigido Munoz, who served as the yacht's engineer, has been charged and remains in custody following a court appearance in Nassau.
A Dream Job Cut Short
Bell had recently joined the crew of the Far from It, after previously serving aboard the M/Y Sweet Emocean until December 2024. Known for her bright spirit and professionalism, she was only weeks into her new assignment and nearing her 21st birthday on July 14.
Her body was found in the lower-deck engine room, partially undressed and bearing visible signs of violence. Munoz, 39, was reportedly discovered nearby with apparent self-inflicted injuries. He was hospitalized under police supervision, then charged with murder and denied bail.
Behind the Scenes of a High-Profile Case
Police were alerted to Bell's disappearance by fellow crew members while the yacht was moored. A full search led to the discovery of her remains, and her death was confirmed by a local doctor at the scene. Authorities have not released further details about the assault, but initial reports describe the incident as deeply violent.
Bell's death has sent shockwaves through the yachting industry, reigniting safety concerns—particularly for young women working aboard private vessels.
Tributes and Calls for Reform
Friends and former colleagues described Bell as "the golden girl" of her crew—capable, kind, and full of promise. An online fundraiser launched to support her family quickly surpassed £44,000, drawing donations and tributes from across the maritime community.
In a poignant statement, her mother invited supporters to honor what would have been Paige's birthday by wearing red and enjoying a slice of her favorite red velvet cake.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has spurred renewed calls for reform. A petition demanding criminal background checks for all yacht crew has gained momentum, with hundreds of signatures added in recent days.
Industry Under Pressure
Though the yachting industry operates globally, its employment practices often lack consistent regulation. With long hours, confined living spaces, and high turnover, safety protocols can be overlooked—especially on private charters.
Experts argue Bell's death underscores the vulnerability of crew members in luxury maritime settings, where image can often take precedence over accountability. While some larger operations conduct internal background checks, there is currently no standardized international requirement for such screenings.
The Investigation Continues
As of now, Munoz remains the sole suspect. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional charges may be filed. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors gathering forensic evidence ahead of the next court hearing, scheduled for November 20.
For Paige Bell's family, friends, and colleagues, the grief remains profound—compounded by the fact that such violence occurred aboard a vessel that was supposed to offer a secure and professional environment.
Her name now joins a growing list of victims whose stories are prompting broader discussions about crew safety and working conditions at sea—conversations that many believe are long overdue.
