Assault, Silence & System Fixes: Elle Fisher on Safety at Sea | Yachting USA – PART TWO

Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and sexual harassment. What happens when a crewmember says “no” and the industry looks away? In the second of a three-part Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate. Elle recounts a violent assault in Fort Lauderdale, the system’s failure to protect crew, and a later incident aboard another yacht that tested her resolve to stay in the industry she loves. From restraining orders and DPAs to NDAs, background checks, and psychological screening, Elle calls for practical reforms that could make yachting safer—without slowing operations. She also shares the career highs that kept her onboard: leading a major refit, orchestrating an iconic Yacht Hop, and delivering 17 back-to-back charters. Elle shares: ✅ The Fort Lauderdale assault, hospital visit, and a successful restraining order ✅ Why threats, confiscated phones, and isolation keep victims silent ✅ How NDAs and DPA structures can leave crew unprotected ✅ Why quick-turn hiring undermines meaningful background checks ✅ A workable alternative: mandatory psychological screening for safety-critical roles ✅ Returning to yachting: interior manager/purser, nine-month refit, and what she learned ✅ The Antigua Yacht Hop that booked 17 consecutive charters—and the burnout that followed ✅ A later cabin-intrusion incident by a head chef, and why “the trash took itself out” still isn’t justice ✅ Reflections triggered by the murder of Paige Bell and why speaking up matters now For PART ONE: https://youtu.be/f49HePKUPP4 📍 Location Mahekal® Beach Resort — Playa del Carmen, Mexico Website: https://www.mahekalbeachresort.com/ Instagram: @mahekalbeachresort 🤝 Series Partner Blue Oceans Yachting Website: https://www.blueoceansyachting.com/ Instagram: @blueoceansyachts 🎙 Meet the Guest Elle Fisher | Author & Advocate 📚 Books: Screw the Crew & Alchemy (available on Amazon) 📸 Instagram: @saltyzimbo 🎙 Host Rick Thomas | Yachting USA 📧 [email protected] 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-thomas-51909821/ #Yachting #Superyachts #CrewLife #YachtingIndustry #CrewWelfare #SafetyAtSea #HarassmentPrevention #BoatShow #Refit #YachtingUSA