A carefree summer dream turned into a chilling nightmare when 20-year-old Paige Bell, a South African stewardess, was found dead in the engine room of the luxury superyacht Far From It—moored off Harbour Island, known as the billionaires’ playground in the Bahamas. Authorities say she had deep gashes to her neck and arms, sparking widespread outrage and pain beyond the glamorous exterior of the yacht.
Bell, described as a vivacious and deeply caring “golden girl,” was just days away from celebrating her 21st birthday on July 14 when tragedy struck, as UNILAD reported, delivering a gut-punch to her family and colleagues. She was discovered partially undressed in the vessel’s engine room on July 3, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said, alongside crew engineer Brigido Munoz—who now faces murder charges after allegedly attempting suicide.
“She was found with gashes to her neck and arms…this was not an accident.” Heartbreaking details emerge in murder of stewardess on luxury yacht. pic.twitter.com/superyachtTragedy— CrimeWatch Intl (@CrimeWatchIntl) July 10, 2025
The Daily Beast reports the yacht Far From It costs up to $165,000 per week to charter and was docked amid a roster of celebrities and moguls, underscoring how horrifying violence crept behind luxury facades on “billionaire’s island” (Daily Beast). Her body was discovered by crewmates after she missed her shift—a terrifying scene that shattered their peace.
Friends and colleagues recall Paige’s warmth: cheerful, full of empathy, always lighting up communal spaces aboard yachts like Sweet Emocean, where she previously worked. A GoFundMe organized by colleagues swiftly raised over $45,000, with supporters honoring her life and championing justice (LADbible).
“Her incredible energy lit up every room—this loss devastates us all.” Former crewmate remembers Paige’s radiant spirit. pic.twitter.com/goldenGirlLight— YachtCrew Community (@YachtCrewCom) July 10, 2025
Authorities say Munoz was found bleeding from self-inflicted arm wounds and appeared to have staged a failed suicide, according to The New York Post. He appeared in court via video link and has been remanded without bail until his next hearing on November 20 (Daily Beast).
Harbour Island—a tropical paradise frequented by Bill Gates, the Kardashians, and Mick Jagger—is now the site of a stark tragedy, where luxury hides unthinkable violence. The Sun quotes police confirming defensive wounds on her arms and fatal slash wounds to her neck, painting a picture of a desperate fight for her life.
Paige’s parents, Michelle and John Bell, have flown to the Bahamas and issued a heart-wrenching statement: “Our baby girl’s life was brutally taken from us… we are devastated beyond words,” shared on Facebook, as detectives work with family for justice (The Sun).
A local minister at Harbour Island held a candlelight vigil this week, calling Paige’s death “a horror too deep for words” and urging the yachting industry to implement better crew protection—even amid paradise.
International reactions are growing. South African officials say they will “pursue accountability,” while the Bahamas’ attorney general pledged full support for the investigation. Meanwhile, advocates demand higher safety standards—including secure living quarters away from intimidating engine rooms, better vetting of crew, and mandatory mental-health monitoring for isolated staff.
Crew members report atmospheres of tension below deck—where tight quarters, long hours, and hierarchical pressure create a volatile stew. The superyacht world, while glamorous to outsiders, can foster loneliness and fear. Unilad noted concerns about the psychological toll on young crew far from home.
“She was days from 21—celebrating a birthday that never came.” Miami yacht community mourns bright young stewardess lost too soon. pic.twitter.com/birthdayTears— SuperYacht Today (@SYTnews) July 10, 2025
The case has also reignited debate over international jurisdiction and crew rights. With the alleged killer claiming he tried to take his own life, prosecutors must now prove intent—while families await forensic results. The Bahamas Police say they’ll release toxicology and autopsy reports soon.
Tensions are rising among yacht owners, guests, and crew. Some industry insiders told Business Insider that safety measures need mandatory overhaul: panic buttons, engine-room access locks, encrypted communications, and mental-health officers onboard charter vessels.
As legal friction builds between South African authorities and Bahamian courts, Paige’s death raises urgent global questions: How can we better protect young workers lured by glamour? How do we ensure basic security on floating islands of opulence?
In heartbreaking irony, Paige’s birthday tribute is now red velvet cake—a tradition started last birthday by friends—which she never got to enjoy. But it lives on on socials, where tribute pics flood hashtags like #PaigeyLight and #JusticeForPaige.
Her story casts a shadow over the passport holders, rich guests, and turquoise seas of Harbour Island. In the wake of her death, an industry built on beauty must now face its ugly, hidden truths.
