YACHT HORROR

HEARTBROKEN Durban parents Michelle and John Bell are preparing to bring home the body of their “baby girl” who was murdered in the Bahamas.  

Paige Bell was living the dream; working as a stewardess on a superyacht, surrounded by idyllic beaches and billionaires. Tragically, it ended in a nightmare. 

On July 3, the former schoolgirl from Hillcrest High School in Durban was found dead in the engine room of the yacht where she was stationed, just days before her 21st birthday. 

Her throat was slit and there were signs that she had struggled with her attacker. According to reports it appeared as if Bell may also have been sexually assaulted. Police are currently investigating a homicide and a suicide attempt.

Speaking to the Independent on Saturday via Facebook, her dad John said they would be back home this week. 

“We are in the Bahamas arranging a cremation and to bring Paige home. I don’t want to comment any further at this stage. We are still trying to process what has happened and grieve our baby girl,” he said. 

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bell was on board the superyacht, Far From It, in the waters off Harbour Island, Eleuthera, when she was killed.

A 39-year old Mexican engineer Brigido Munoz was arrested and appeared in the magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

In their initial media release police said that shortly after 1pm on July 3, they were alerted to the incident and proceeded to the marina area.  

“Once on board the vessel, officers discovered a woman unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a man suffering from severe injuries to his arms. The local doctor visited the scene, examined the victim and pronounced her deceased,” the release read.  

Police say it also emerged that Bell had been missing for a “short period” before she was found “unresponsive” in the engine room with the suspect who was “apprehended”, and “cautioned”. Following that he was  taken to a nearby clinic for medical treatment.

According to a GoFundMe page set up for her family, Paige “would have celebrated her 21st birthday on July 14th”.

On Monday, friends and family from across the globe will have a slice of red velvet cake (Paige’s favourite) to commemorate her life. But this won't be a joyful celebration, instead it’s a heartbreaking farewell to a young woman on the cusp of a promising life.