Paige Bell's tragic death while working onboard a superyacht in the Bahamas at age 20 has left an indelible mark on her family and the global yachting community. Two mothers, Charni Johnson and Nikki Coetzer, are now working to help other superyacht crew members worldwide understand the risks, their rights, and responsibilities – in her memory.
The two women have created Protecting Crew Lives (PCL), an advocacy-led platform that aims to raise awareness, encourage reflection, and provide signposting to existing resources that support crew welfare, safety, and reporting sources. By sharing personal stories, engaging with the global yachting community, and working with a network of aligned organizations, Charni and Nikki are pushing for meaningful reform within the superyacht industry.
Their efforts have sparked a significant response, with many crew members sharing their experiences of misconduct, exploitation, and mental health challenges within the industry. The two mothers believe that lasting change starts with personal conscience and willingness, not legislation alone, and hope to see greater consistency, transparency, and humanity embedded into how crew welfare is approached across the industry.
By doing so, they aim to ensure that Paige's life will not be in vain and that her story serves as a catalyst for positive change.
The tragic loss of Paige Bell highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the risks and challenges faced by superyacht crew members. By working together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for all crew members, and ensure that their rights and well-being are prioritized.
