Paige Bell's death highlights safety concerns in the superyacht industry

The tragic murder of stewardess Paige Bell has cast a harsh light on the hidden dangers within the superyacht industry, raising urgent concerns about the safety of crew members in this seemingly glamorous world.

Days before her 21st birthday, the former Hillcrest High School student from Durban was found deceased on July 3 in the engine room of the yacht, where she was stationed. Her throat was slit, with signs of a struggle.

Mexican national Brigido Munoz, who worked on the yacht with Bell, was arrested for her murder and has appeared in court.

Sandra Jordaan of The Yacht Purser, who has worked behind the scenes to make yachting a safer and more accountable space for all, said the news of Bell's death has been felt across the industry.

Jordaan stated that although she did not know her personally, many in the community did.

“As a mother, the pain is unimaginable; as a woman, I am angry. As an activist who has been working behind the scenes to make the yachting industry a safer space, I am not surprised. This was not a question of if, but when,” she said.

Jordaan said through efforts alongside the PYA Welfare Committee, ISWAN, Yacht Crew Help, and Nautilus, they have pushed for meaningful change.

However, Jordaan stated that they are no closer to ensuring that crew are not subjected to unsafe working conditions.

“We continue to face resistance from yachts and management companies,” she said.

Despite this, Jordaan stated that she remains steadfast in her commitment to improving safety, accountability, and support for all crew members.

She appealed for urgent support in signing a petition that was started over two years ago by Jess Frost at Crew Folio, calling for mandatory criminal background checks for all yacht crew members.

“Meaningful change starts with all of us. Let’s not wait for another catastrophic incident to happen,” she said, adding that those looking for urgent support should contact Yacht Crew Help.

Erica Lay, owner and director of EL CREW CO international crew agency, echoed Jordaan's sentiments that the entire industry is devastated about this tragic loss.

With 17 years of experience as a crew agent, Lay noted that the superyacht industry is seeing many individuals vocally addressing sexual harassment and assault.

“Just a couple of weeks ago, I co-hosted a webinar with like-minded individuals,” she said, naming Angela Wallace, Andrew Roch, and Emma Kate Ross as her fellow hosts.

Lay said the aim of the webinar was to educate everyone involved on what constitutes abuse or assault, how to report it, and also, very importantly, how the senior crew and management can support any victim in this situation.

“Our industry should be safe for everyone, and we are striving to make it so,” she stated.

This tragic incident has sparked widespread reactions of anger and support from across the country and abroad, with some even coming forward to share their experience and shine a spotlight on the dark side of the industry.

Safety within the yachting industry remains a recurring issue, with one woman highlighting these dangers on a Facebook post about superyachts.

“I speak from experience. I served as interior manager for nine years. I survived my own predator,” she said.

She said she had been assaulted and held captive for a few days, several years ago, by a colleague inside a crew house. “He wasn’t my partner; he wanted to be, and when I denied him, his rage turned violent.”

She said that after she escaped, she went to the authorities, and he was served with a three-year restraining order. “He lost that job but stayed in the industry.”

Also commenting on Facebook, a man said he worked on three different vessels where there were instances of domestic violence between crew members.

“On each occasion, the incident was suppressed by the captain who was afraid of being blamed because he didn’t pay attention to the obvious warnings and didn't want to lose his job,” he said.

The man said he knew two girls that committed suicide after being bullied and two girls that were assaulted.

“Nothing was ever done about it. No one ever addressed it after the initial shock. It is disgusting that there is a lack of accountability. Captains and owners think they are infallible,” he said.

He said there is a “secret code” of not naming names and identities of vessels that ignore crew-on-crew violence and bullying.

“Call them out, hold them accountable. If captains want to be the ultimate law on board, then hold them to it,” he said.

karen.singh@inl.co.za