A YOUNG crew member has been brutally killed on board a luxury yacht moored off a billionaires’ playground.
The body of Paige Bell, 20, was found in the engine room after the vessel docked off an exclusive island in the Bahamas.
Paige, hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, was affectionately known as a ‘golden girl’ by her friends and was employed as a guest relations officer on the £9.5 million charter yacht Far From It.
A 39-year-old Mexican mechanic who worked alongside Paige below deck has been arrested for her murder.
It is said she fought back but was overpowered by her shipmate, whose motive is under police investigation.
The engineer appeared at New Providence magistrates court in the Bahamas today charged with savagely murdering the 20-year-old last Thursday.
A statement from Paige’s family says: “Our family is facing an unimaginable journey.
“Tonight, her mom and dad are traveling to the Bahamas to start the heart-wrenching task of not only bringing their beloved daughter back home but also fighting for justice against the individual who ended her life.
“We are heartbroken beyond expression, and now we must also manage the intricate and expensive legal procedures in a different country – a situation well beyond our financial capability.
“This heart-breaking 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.
The alleged murder 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.
It lies 60 miles to the east of the capital Nassau just off the larger island of Eleuthera.
Bill Gates has a mansion on the tiny island and regular holidaymakers include Mick Jagger, Prince Harry, Tom Cruise, Kardashians, Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks.
It is known as the “Billionaires Backyard” as over 20 billionaires live on the paradise island.
A huge bash was being planned for Friday in the marina and on the yacht to mark Paige’s 21st birthday – which had been planned by her boyfriend.
Crew on the exclusive yacht which costs £120,000-a-week to charter were puzzled last week when there was no sign of Paige or answer from her phone.
They searched all six luxury VIP suites and the crew quarters before one member of staff went down into the engine room where they discovered the horror.
Paige’s dead body was reportedly found on the floor.
Her shipmate was lying close to her covered in blood with a knife in his hand, with both his wrists slashed, police said.
Officers were called to the vessel at 1pm on July 3 and found the suspect still alive but bleeding heavily beside the young victim’s body.
A Bahamas police spokesman said: “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.
“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.
“We can confirm that a 39-year-old Mexican national will be arraigned before magistrates today charged with murder which stem from the death of a 20-year-old South African.
“She was found on board a vessel at Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on Thursday, July 3.”
