Paige Bell: Young stewardess allegedly murdered by below deck crew mate on luxury superyacht

A young stewardess on board a luxury superyacht has been found dead, allegedly murdered by her below deck crewmate.

Paige Bell, 20, was found on the floor of the engine room of Far From It, while it was moored in the Bahamas.

Police were called to the vessel at Harbour Island, Eleuthera, at 1pm on July 3, finding her dead and the crewmate, who has since been identified as engineer 39-year-old Brigido Munoz, bleeding heavily.

The island is known as the “Billionaires Backyard”, with more than 20 billionaires reportedly having mansions there, including Bill Gates, and other A-Listers regularly holidaying there.

Far From It charges wealthy clients up to $250,000 a week to charter. It can host up to 10 guests and has nine permanent crew.

News of Ms Bell’s death has rocked the tight knit yachting industry, with one captain she had previously worked with describing her as a “radiant spirit”.

She was raised in South Africa and would have turned 21 on July 14.

“We are investigating a murder and a suspected suicide attempt after a woman from South Africa was found dead on a yacht at Harbour Island,“ a Royal Bahamas Police Force spokesperson said.

“According to a preliminary report shortly after 1pm on July 3, the police were alerted to an incident on a yacht and proceeded to the marina area and went aboard Far From It.

“Once on board the vessel officers discovered a female unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a Mexican national close by suffering from severe injuries to his arms.

“The local doctor who had been called to the scene pronounced the victim deceased.

“As police investigated further it was discovered that the victim was missing for a short period before being found unresponsive in the engine room with the male suspect.”

In a statement, her family said they were “was facing an unimaginable journey”.

“This evening mom and dad are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life.

“We are devastated beyond words and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country – something far beyond our financial means.”

Ms Bell had worked on motor yacht Sweet Emocean until December of 2024, whose Captain Frank Prest set up a A GoFundMe to assist her family.

“Paige was more than a teammate, she was family,” he wrote.

“Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went.”

Mr Munoz, a Mexican national, has been denied bail and will next appear in court on November 20.