A young crew member has been brutally murdered aboard a luxury superyacht moored at an exclusive island resort in the Bahamas known as the "Billionaires’ Backyard".
Paige Bell, 20, was found dead in the engine room of the £9.5million charter yacht ‘Far From It’, which had docked at Harbour Island — a three-mile-long paradise favoured by celebrities and the super-rich.
Paige, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, worked as a guest relations officer on board and was described by friends as a “golden girl”. A huge birthday bash had been planned for her 21st on Friday, organised by her boyfriend and set to take place on the yacht and in the marina.
A 39-year-old Mexican engineer who worked alongside her below deck has been arrested and charged with her murder. It is believed Paige fought back during the attack but was overpowered. Police are still investigating the motive.
The suspect appeared at New Providence Magistrates’ Court on Monday following the killing last Thursday.
In a statement, Paige’s family said: “Our family is facing an unimaginable journey. This evening mom and dad are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life.
“We are devastated beyond words and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country – something far beyond our financial means.
“This heart-breaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved ‘Paigey’ – her former captain, the boat owner, all the crew on board and our entire community. We are humbly asking for your support whether by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
“We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.”
Crew on the yacht — which costs £120,000 a week to charter — became concerned when Paige failed to respond to calls or messages. After searching the six VIP guest suites and crew quarters, one staff member went down to the engine room, where they discovered her body.
She was reportedly found on the floor, covered in blood. Her shipmate was lying nearby with a knife in his hand and both wrists slashed.
Officers were called to the vessel at around 1pm on July 3 and found the suspect still alive but bleeding heavily beside Paige’s body.
A Royal Bahamas Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating a murder and a suspected suicide attempt after a woman from South Africa was found dead on a yacht at Harbour Island.
“According to a preliminary report shortly after 1pm on July 3, the police were alerted to an incident on a yacht and proceeded to the marina area and went aboard Far From It.
“Once on board the vessel officers discovered a female unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a Mexican national close by suffering from severe injuries to his arms.
“The local doctor who had been called to the scene pronounced the victim deceased.
“As police investigated further it was discovered that the victim was missing for a short period before being found unresponsive in the engine room with the male suspect.”
They added: “We can confirm that a 39-year-old Mexican national will be arraigned before magistrates today charged with murder which stem from the death of a 20-year-old South African. She was found on board a vessel at Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on Thursday, July 3.”
Harbour Island lies 60 miles east of Nassau and just off the larger island of Eleuthera. The island is home to more than 20 billionaires, including Bill Gates, and is regularly visited by celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Prince Harry, Tom Cruise, the Kardashians, Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks.
