Latest news with #HillcrestHighSchool
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Another South African woman brutally attacked at sea
Just weeks after the emotional outpouring of grief following the murder of South African yacht stewardess Paige Bell, another South African woman has been brutally attacked at sea – this time aboard a cruise ship in the Bahamas, while her attacker, also South African, hurled himself overboard. The Witness reports that the 28-year-old woman, working as a crew member aboard the Icon of the Seas, was stabbed multiple times, allegedly by a 35-year-old male colleague, while the ship sailed through Bahamian waters last week. The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed the attack took place at around 19:30 last Thursday. The suspect allegedly stabbed the woman several times in the upper body during what police described as a 'personal dispute' before attempting to flee the scene by jumping overboard. The man was later found unresponsive and declared dead by onboard medical personnel. The victim, whose identity has not been released, is reportedly in stable condition. Royal Caribbean said in a statement that the crew initiated a search and rescue operation immediately after a man-overboard alert, signalled onboard as 'Oscar Oscar Oscar', was issued. The ship slowed and turned back to recover the man, but he could not be saved. The company said in a statement: 'Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member [who went overboard] passed away.' The Icon of the Seas was returning to Miami following stops in St. Maarten, the US Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. The ship had departed from Miami on July 19. The incident comes as South Africa continues to mourn the death of Paige Bell, a former Hillcrest High School pupil who was killed days before her 21st birthday. Her body was discovered in the engine room of a superyacht docked in the Bahamas on July 3. A 39-year-old Mexican man, also a crew member, was arrested in connection with her death. Sandra Jordaan of The Yacht Purser programme said the cruise ship incident underscored the maritime industry's persistent failure to protect workers. Long hours, isolation, high stress and a lack of accountability contribute to unsafe environments at sea. She added that calls for mandatory criminal background checks for crew had yet to be implemented across the industry. 'These are not isolated incidents,' said Jordaan. 'Until proper safety protocols are implemented, we will continue to see crew members harmed, or worse, while working in environments that too often treat them as disposable.' Bell's death sparked renewed calls for tighter regulation in the yachting sector, especially regarding background checks for crew. Many young South Africans join the maritime sector in pursuit of travel and opportunity, often entering the loosely regulated yachting industry. Jessie Frost, a former yachtie and founder of the recruitment platform Crewfolio, has been campaigning for global reform. She launched a petition on calling for mandatory and renewable criminal background checks for all seafarers. She said that although international maritime frameworks such as the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and the International Labour Organisation's Maritime Labour Convention provide guidance on training and safety, they do not require background checks. Crew continue to be placed in high-risk environments without even the most basic criminal background screening. Frost is proposing a renewable two-year certificate from a global screening provider, like existing requirements such as the ENG1 medical or STCW certification. 'There are repeat offenders in our industry who are known and named, yet they continue to find work because there's always someone unaware of their past who unknowingly gives them another opportunity,' she said. Themes of bullying, harassment, sexual and physical violence, theft and even murder surface year after year, often quietly accepted, normalised or brushed aside. Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said they could not comment, as the matter remained under investigation by Bahamian authorities. The Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, made its maiden voyage in January 2024. The 360m-long vessel boasts seven pools, the 'world's largest waterpark at sea', six waterslides and nine whirlpools, and can carry up to 5 610 passengers and 2 350 crew members across 19 floors. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Family to hold memorial service for slain superyacht stewardess Paige Bell
A memorial service to honour the life of Paige Bell, who was murdered on a yacht in the Bahamas earlier this month, will take place in Durban on July 31. In a social media post, Bell's heartbroken parents John and Michelle Bell announced the memorial service will take place at the Open Skies Church in Kloof followed by a reception at the Kloof Country Club. 'Please join us in honouring the life and memory of our precious daughter and sister Paigey whose time with us was heartbreakingly brief, yet infinitely beautiful and filled with so much love laughter and joy. Thank you for holding Paigey and our family in your hearts and for walking beside us in this devastating time of sorrow and remembrance of our precious baby girl. We are truly grateful for each act of kindness shown,' they said. Bell, a former Hillcrest High School pupil, was killed aboard superyacht Far from It, which costs R3.5m a week to charter, on July 3 days before her 21st birthday. According to global superyacht authority Boat International, police arrested a fellow crew member, Mexican engineer Brigido Munoz, 39, who was found with severe injuries to his arms near Bell's body. She was partially undressed with her throat slashed and defensive wounds on her body. Police are investigating a case of murder and attempted suicide. The global yachting industry is reeling from Bell's murder and racing to tighten safety measures.
The South African
15-07-2025
- The South African
Paige Bell's GoFundMe page donations pass R1 million mark
The GoFundMe page set up to help raise funds to ease the financial burden faced by South African stewardess Paige Bell's family has passed the R1 million mark. At the time of publishing, the page had raised $56 478 (R1 008 750), which represents 94% of the goal of raising $60 000. Bell was murdered aboard a £9.5 million superyacht in the Bahamas by a Mexican co-worker earlier this month just days shy of what would've been her 21st birthday on Monday, 14 July. Meanwhile, the man accused of murdering Bell has been pictured for the first time . Mexican crew member Brigido Munoz allegedly sexually assaulted and killed Bell in the 142-foot vessel's engine room. Munoz appeared in court in capital Nassau, where Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley denied him bail and remanded him in custody until a 20 November hearing. Munoz, who worked as an engineer on board the Far From It yacht, was not required to enter a plea. The magistrates court heard Bell was found partially clothed and bloodied, with slash wounds to her neck and defensive injuries on her arms – suggesting she fought for her life. Munoz was reportedly discovered lying close by with injuries on his arms, in what authorities suspect may have been a failed suicide attempt. He was rushed to hospital before being charged. Described by friends as a 'golden girl,' Bell was reportedly just days away from returning to South Africa to celebrate her 21st birthday on 14 July. Bell's former school, Hillcrest High School, in KwaZulu-Natal, paid tribute to her on social media. 'It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and all who knew and loved former Hillcrest High School pupil, Paige Bell. 'Paige matriculated in 2022 and is remembered by our HHS community as an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person. 'We know that her untimely and tragic death is a great loss to all who knew Paige, and beyond devastating to her parents and family. 'As a school we will be holding them in our thoughts and prayers and would like to ask for the support of the greater HHS community in bringing Paige home to her family. 'Please share and donate to the GoFundMe account that was set up, in her honour, to assist her family during this incredibly difficult time.' Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- IOL News
Tragic murder of Paige Bell a wake-up call for safety reforms in the superyacht industry
Paige Bell, a promising young stewardess, whose tragic murder has ignited urgent discussions about safety and accountability in the superyacht industry. Image: Sweet Emocean The tragic murder of stewardess Paige Bell has cast a harsh light on the hidden dangers within the superyacht industry, raising 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 dead 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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 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 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 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. Cape Times
IOL News
12-07-2025
- IOL News
Paige Bell's death highlights safety concerns in the superyacht industry
Paige Bell, a promising young stewardess, whose tragic murder has ignited urgent discussions about safety and accountability in the superyacht industry. Image: Sweet Emocean 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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 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.
