One year on: Survey launched to improve safety for superyacht crew after Paige Bell’s tragic death

One year ago, the yachting community was rocked by the brutal murder of Durban-born superyacht stewardess, Paige Bell.

Now, a year later, the Protecting Crew Lives (PCL) has launched a survey, calling on yachting crew to complete a survey on their living and working conditions, marking the first anniversary of Bell’s death.

In July last year, IOL reported that Bell’s lifeless body was found aboard the super yacht Far From It.

In a police report, from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, police on the Island of Eleuthera are investigating a homicide and suspected suicide attempt that occurred on July 3 on a vessel docked in Harbour Island that left a female of South African nationality dead. Bell, who was due to turn 21 just days before her death, was found unresponsive with visible signs of injuries.

PCL was established in the aftermath of Bell’s death to advocate for safer working environments for crew.

Launched alongside the PCL platform on June 16, the survey is tailored specifically to superyacht crew and focuses on the sector’s operational, contractual and psychological challenges.

PCL co-founder Chantal Johnson said the survey would create a “collective and undeniable voice” for crew members and provide evidence that the organisation can use to push for industry change.

The independent platform also serves as a central resource hub, offering plain-language information on crew rights, guidance on safe and compliant employment practices, access to support services and advice on what to do when problems arise.

PCL said many risks begin before crew members even step aboard a vessel, including fraudulent recruitment agencies, inappropriate interview and photo requests, cybercrime and other criminal activity.

The organisation advises crew to be cautious of recruiters requesting upfront payments or asking applicants to submit photographs in specific outfits, warning that such requests are not legitimate. It also encourages crew to verify service providers through its compliance directory.

Participation in the survey is voluntary, with respondents able to remain completely anonymous or choose to provide their details.

According to Johnson, all responses will be aggregated and used to identify systemic failures within the industry and present evidence to regulators, flag states and other authorities.

She said the survey is intended to provide an accurate picture of life aboard superyachts and strengthen efforts to hold the industry accountable.

In a touching tribute on its page, PCL said, “One year has passed, yet Paige remains in our hearts and thoughts every single day. We continue to hold her family, friends and fellow crew members close and we honour the incredible strength they have shown through an unimaginable year.

“Paige’s legacy lives on in every conversation that encourages greater accountability, every action that puts crew welfare first and every step taken towards a safer, more respectful maritime industry.”

PCL thanked Bell’s family for their courage and for trusting them to create meaningful change in their daughter’s memory.

Meanwhile, in December last year, it was reported that the suspect arrested for Bell’s murder worked as an engineer on the same yacht.

Brigido Lara Muñoz was formally indicted and entered a not-guilty plea. His trial is expected to get underway next year. 

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL