A tragic incident has shaken the yachting community as a superyacht engineer is accused of the murder of South African crew member Paige Bell. Bell, known as the “golden girl,” was found dead in the Bahamas just days before her 21st birthday. The suspect, 39-year-old Mexican national Brigido Munoz, allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered Bell in the ship’s engine room. Bell’s body was discovered partially undressed, with injuries on her neck and arms indicating a struggle before her death.
Munoz, who was found with self-inflicted injuries on his arms suggesting a suicide attempt, is currently in custody and will remain jailed until his hearing on November 20. Both Bell and Munoz worked on the Far From It superyacht, which offered charters for nearly $140,000 per week while anchored off Harbour Island.
Bell, a beloved member of the yachting community, was described as more than a teammate but as family by her crewmates. Her infectious laughter, boundless compassion, and radiant spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Despite the tragic circumstances, Bell’s mother plans to honor her daughter’s memory by celebrating her upcoming 21st birthday with red velvet cake, Bell’s favorite treat.
A GoFundMe page set up by Bell’s former colleagues aims to support her family during this difficult time. The young stewardess was set to turn 21 on July 14, and her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her. Bell’s legacy lives on through the fond memories and impact she had on those around her, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
This is happening far too often in the yachting industry. First, my friend Jess—taken from us on the 21st of July, 2017—which is what my memoir Ellechemy is about. And now Paige. Another woman. Another predator. Another industry that stays silent.
The billionaire yacht owners don’t give a sweet fuck. That’s why families are left scrambling with GoFundMe pages, shouldering massive costs to bring their daughters home. Crew are fired—not protected—because the owner doesn’t want bad press (Jess’s case). It’s become inhumane. The industry is disturbingly inhumane.
I speak from experience. I served as Interior Manager for nine years. (Durban girl here.) And I survived my own predator.
Crew members must be screened better. We live in isolation, sleep in shared cabins, travel to places with no oversight or recourse. HR doesn’t exist. Safety isn’t guaranteed. And predators thrive in that darkness.
We deserve better. Paige deserved better. Jess deserved better. Stop protecting predators. Start protecting crew. Crew members need to be screened. Of all the mandatory requirements for this industry, one life saving procedure is ignored.