TWO Upper Highway mothers have launched an international awareness campaign aimed at protecting young people entering the superyacht industry, following the death of former Hillcrest High School learner Paige Bell.

Bell was murdered last year at the age of 20 while working aboard a superyacht in the Bahamas. Her body was discovered on the deck outside the engine room on July 3. A 39-year-old superyacht engineer was arrested for her murder.

Her death shocked the maritime community and prompted family, friends and fellow crew to confront difficult questions about safety at sea.

The two Hillcrest women, co-founder Charni Johnson, and founder Nikki Coetzer, have turned grief into action through an initiative called Protecting Crew Lives (PCL).

The duo described the superyacht industry as a world of extraordinary opportunity.

Also read: Hillcrest community honours Paige Bell as family demands justice

“It offers young people the chance to travel to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, earn competitive incomes, and build global networks. It is a career like no other. It promises independence, growth and a lifestyle many only dream about.”

However, Coetzer stressed that celebrating the industry’s appeal should not mean ignoring its vulnerabilities.

Behind the glamour, Coetzer said there are legal grey areas, barriers to reporting misconduct, and safety gaps that can leave crew exposed once vessels leave port.

“Life at sea often involves long hours, confined living conditions, strict hierarchies and isolation from family support systems, factors that can intensify interpersonal conflict and mental strain.”

Following Bell’s death, Johnson said they were overwhelmed by messages from crew members sharing their own experiences of bullying, harassment, withheld wages, contract disputes and fear of speaking out.

“Many cited concerns about reputational damage or confusion around non-disclosure agreements, which they believed might prevent them from reporting misconduct,” said Johnson.

She emphasised that no employment contract overrides an individual’s right to report criminal behaviour or safety risks to authorities.

“Silence should never be mistaken for safety,” she said.

Through PCL, Johnson and Coetzer said they are advocating for stronger reporting pathways, clearer welfare education, and practical safety innovations, including wearable emergency alert devices and improved vetting procedures.

They added that they are also working alongside organisations such as Human Rights at Sea to strengthen protections for crew worldwide.

“Our goal is not to dismantle the yachting industry but to strengthen it. A thriving industry and safe crew are not competing priorities; they are inseparable,” said Coetzer.

They called on families to play an active role by maintaining open communication, understanding maritime employment realities, and supporting loved ones in seeking help if needed.

They said they believe that meaningful change requires both legislative progress and cultural transformation within the industry, normalising transparency, embedding respect into daily professional conduct, and ensuring that welfare is treated as non-negotiable.

The two mothers who are close to the Bell family described Paige as vibrant, ambitious and proud of her career in yachting, having earned a promotion before her death.

“We honour her by fighting for an industry worthy of the adventurous spirit and brightness she brought to it.”

They advised young crew entering the industry to stay informed, understand their rights, build safety strategies before boarding, and reach out for help if something feels wrong.

“The future of the industry depends not only on rules but on everyday choices that protect one another,” added Johnson.

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