Tragedy on 43.4-metre superyacht Far From It

Bahar O.

The superyacht community is mourning the loss of 20-year-old South African stewardess Paige Bell, who was found dead on board the 43.4-metre Far From It while docked at Harbour Island in the Bahamas on 3 July.

Bell’s body was discovered in the engine room alongside 39-year-old engineer Brigido Munoz, who has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police confirmed that Bell had visible injuries and was declared dead at the scene by a local doctor. Munoz, a Mexican national, appeared in court in Nassau but was not asked to enter a plea. He has been denied bail and remains in custody until his next hearing in November.

The tragedy has shaken the yachting industry, prompting tributes and an outpouring of grief from former colleagues and friends. Bell had been working on Far From It since December 2024, after previously serving on the 35.5-metre yacht Sweet Emocean.

While the investigation into Bell’s death is still underway, her passing has reignited calls for stronger safety protocols in the superyacht sector - especially around crew recruitment and background checks.

Photo: Bill Black from Vesselfinder.com