Crew member on £9.5million superyacht brutally killed days before 21st birthday
An engineer from the Far From It superyacht appeared in court today accused of murdering a young crew member.
The 39-year-old engineer is alleged to have slashed Paige Bell's throat during a Bahamas trip days before the stewardess' 21st birthday, a party for which had been planned for Friday. The young woman was found, partialy undressed, in the engine room when the yacht was moored, and declared dead at the scene.
A court in Nassau, the Bahamian capital, heard the defendant had slashed Miss Bell's neck, and she had defensive injuries to her arms, suggesting she tried to fend off her alleged attacker on the £9.5million superyacht called Far From It.
The engineer, who is a Mexican national, was not required to enter a plea. The engineer was denied bail and remanded into custody ahead of a hearing on November 20.
Miss Bell, from Johannesburg, South Africa, was described as "a golden girl" by her devastated friends after her death. Her grieving family said they are "facing an unimaginable journey".
The relatives, from Durban, South Africa, previously said: "Our family is 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.
"This heartbreaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved 'Paigey' – her former captain, the boat owner, all the crew on board and our entire community.
"We are humbly asking for your support whether by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time."
Mail Online says the engineer, a fellow crew member, had severe injuries to his arm when police apprehended him last week. After he received treatment in hospital, he was charged with murder.
The alleged offence shocked the exclusive resort of Harbour Island which is a 3-mile by 1.5-mile playground for the rich and famous and a mecca for superyachts. Known as the "Billionaires' Backyard" as more than 20 billionaires live on the paradise island, it is 60 miles to the east of the capital Nassau just off the larger island of Eleuthera.
Miss Bell had previously worked on board the Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean as a crew member until December 2024. Her former colleagues paid tribute in a post shared with a GoFundMe page set up to help "ease the financial burden" faced by the family.
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