Young Crewmember, 20, Tragically Killed While Working on Superyacht
Paige Bell, a 20-year-old South African woman, was found dead inside the engine room of the luxury superyacht Far From It on July 3, 2025, while the vessel was docked off Harbour Island, Bahamas. The yacht was operating in charter service at the time, with weekly rates reported in the six-figure range. Paige, originally from Johannesburg, had worked previously aboard the motor yacht Sweet Emocean until December 2024. Her colleagues described her as bright, warm, and full of promise — someone eager to advance in the yachting world.
The day before her death, she was reported missing. When police boarded the yacht shortly after 1 p.m., they found her unresponsive with visible injuries. A Mexican engineer, 39 years old, was discovered nearby with severe arm injuries. Authorities believe those injuries resulted from a failed suicide attempt. The suspect, named in reporting as Brigido Muñoz, appeared in Nassau’s Magistrate Court on July 9, where he was denied bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. The murder charge is confirmed; investigators continue probing motive, relationships among crew, and why the attack occurred.
In the wake of her death, her former crew and friends launched a GoFundMe to help her family with funeral and repatriation costs. As of the latest reports, the fundraising efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars. Some social media tributes encouraged supporters to honor her birthday — July 14 — by sharing photos and eating her favorite red velvet cake. Her parents have traveled to the Bahamas to assist with repatriation and to seek justice. The family and crewmates continue to urge authorities to release more information on motive, the suspect’s relationship to Paige or the vessel, and forensic findings.
This shocking murder has resonated deeply in the yachting community. Many in the industry are calling for reforms to crew hiring procedures, including mandatory criminal background checks, as a way to improve safety aboard vessels.
Though much remains unknown, here are still crucial questions under investigation:
-
What was Paige’s relationship with the accused engineer — friend, colleague, or otherwise?
-
Was the attack premeditated, or spontaneous?
-
Did Paige attempt to defend herself (reports suggest defensive wounds on her arms)?
-
Were there prior complaints or red flags aboard Far From It?
-
How will this case affect crew safety policies across the yachting world?
Paige’s story is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable crew members can be when working in isolated, high-risk environments. Yet, her memory lives on — in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, in calls for justice, and in efforts to ensure others never suffer a similar fate.
Paige Bell, a 20-year-old South African woman, was found dead inside the engine room of the luxury superyacht Far From It on July 3, 2025, while the vessel was docked off Harbour Island, Bahamas. The yacht was operating in charter service at the time, with weekly rates reported in the six-figure range. Paige, originally from Johannesburg, had worked previously aboard the motor yacht Sweet Emocean until December 2024. Her colleagues described her as bright, warm, and full of promise — someone eager to advance in the yachting world.
The day before her death, she was reported missing. When police boarded the yacht shortly after 1 p.m., they found her unresponsive with visible injuries. A Mexican engineer, 39 years old, was discovered nearby with severe arm injuries. Authorities believe those injuries resulted from a failed suicide attempt. The suspect, named in reporting as Brigido Muñoz, appeared in Nassau’s Magistrate Court on July 9, where he was denied bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. The murder charge is confirmed; investigators continue probing motive, relationships among crew, and why the attack occurred.
In the wake of her death, her former crew and friends launched a GoFundMe to help her family with funeral and repatriation costs. As of the latest reports, the fundraising efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars. Some social media tributes encouraged supporters to honor her birthday — July 14 — by sharing photos and eating her favorite red velvet cake. Her parents have traveled to the Bahamas to assist with repatriation and to seek justice. The family and crewmates continue to urge authorities to release more information on motive, the suspect’s relationship to Paige or the vessel, and forensic findings.
This shocking murder has resonated deeply in the yachting community. Many in the industry are calling for reforms to crew hiring procedures, including mandatory criminal background checks, as a way to improve safety aboard vessels.
Though much remains unknown, here are still crucial questions under investigation:
-
What was Paige’s relationship with the accused engineer — friend, colleague, or otherwise?
-
Was the attack premeditated, or spontaneous?
-
Did Paige attempt to defend herself (reports suggest defensive wounds on her arms)?
-
Were there prior complaints or red flags aboard Far From It?
-
How will this case affect crew safety policies across the yachting world?
Paige’s story is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable crew members can be when working in isolated, high-risk environments. Yet, her memory lives on — in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, in calls for justice, and in efforts to ensure others never suffer a similar fate.
