PRESS RELEASE
South Africa · July 3, 2026
Protecting Crew Lives (PCL) is calling on super yacht crew members to take its survey into their living and working conditions on the first anniversary of the tragic death of Paige Bell.
Alongside the PCL platform launch on June 16, PCL has deployed the comprehensive, fully anonymised global survey tailored specifically to super yacht crew and covering the unique operational, contractual and psychological realities of the sector.
“This data will build a collective and undeniable voice for crew, one that PCL will carry and amplify, making it impossible for the industry to ignore," says Chantal Johnson, co-founder of PCL.
PCL was established in the aftermath of the tragic and untimely loss of Paige Bell, aged 20, while working onboard a super yacht in the Bahamas.
The platform is a centralised, independent resource hub and a place where crew can access plain-language guidance on their rights, understand what safe and compliant looks like, find support services and know exactly what steps to take when something goes wrong.
The risks facing superyacht crew begin even before they board a vessel, says Coetzer. These threats take many forms: fake recruitment companies, improper interview and photograph requests, targeted cybercrime and criminal activity on land.
“PCL's resources include guidance on identifying and avoiding these threats. No legitimate employer will ask you to photograph yourself in outfits before employment. No genuine recruiter will ask for money upfront. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Trust that instinct and use PCL's directory to cross-reference service providers against our self-declared compliance standard.”
Survey participants can choose to share their details or remain completely unidentifiable. All data is aggregated and will be used to directly challenge the industry, flag states, and regulatory bodies with specific, evidenced failures.
“This is not a data-collection exercise for commercial gain. This survey is the most powerful tool PCL has to hold the industry to account. Every response builds a real-time snapshot of what life on board actually looks like, not the glossy version presented to owners and media, but the raw, lived experience of the crew who make those vessels function,” said Chantel Johnson, co-founder of PCL.
Complete the survey: www.protectingcrewlives.com/yacht-crew-survey
Paige Bell Tribute
Today, we remember Paige Bell.
One year has passed, yet Paige remains in our hearts and thoughts every single day. We continue to hold her family, friends and fellow crew members close and we honour the incredible strength they have shown through an unimaginable year.
Paige's legacy lives on in every conversation that encourages greater accountability, every action that puts crew welfare first and every step taken towards a safer, more respectful maritime industry.
To the Bell family, thank you for your courage and your trust in us to create meaningful change in Paige's memory. We remain beside you, today and always.
💛 In loving memory of Paige Bell. Forever remembered. Never forgotten.
ENDS.
About Protecting Crew Lives (PCL)
Behind every role at sea is a person. Behind every person is a family.
Protecting Crew Lives (PCL) exists because safety at sea should never be a matter of chance. Founded in memory of Paige Bell, the organisation was born out of a profound loss and a resolute promise to every seafarer currently on the water: “you are seen, you are heard and your safety is the driving force behind our professional mission.”
PCL is entirely self-funded by its founders. Its role is strictly advocacy-led and informational. PCL does not investigate incidents, assign blame, or act as a regulatory or enforcement body.
Official Platform: www.protectingcrewlives.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/protecting_crew_lives/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Protecting-Crew-Lives/61585794700636/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/protecting-crew-lives-pcl-457a933a1/
Access PCL Anywhere - Including at Sea
PCL is available as a mobile web app (Progressive Web App), designed specifically for crew who need resources in the moment without cluttering their device's storage. The platform installs directly to the home screen of any smartphone for instant, lightweight access.
To use the platform offline, simply visit the website while you are online and connected to the internet, then follow the prompt to add it to your home screen. Once downloaded to your device, the essential resource library and safety guides will remain fully accessible to you even when you are operating at sea with completely limited connectivity or no signal.
- Official Platform: www.protectingcrewlives.com
- Yellow Rose Crew Directory: www.protectingcrewlives.com/directory
- To Install: Visit www.protectingcrewlives.com on your smartphone while online and follow the "Add to Home Screen" prompt.
Media Contact
Protecting Crew Lives Media Relations
Contact: www.protectingcrewlives.com/contact
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