Alarming trend: crew deaths rise, with illness and stress key factors

A new report by Gard reveals some alarming trends in seafarer health and wellbeing, showing a 25% jump in crew deaths, with illness and suicide the leading causes. The findings point to the need to strengthen the shipping industry’s health and wellbeing care.

The findings are detailed in the P&I, marine and energy insurer’s second Crew Claims Report, drawing on claims data from 2024 and insights from 6,000 seafarers.

Illnesses accounted for 83% of crew deaths, with heart-related illnesses accounted for close to 60% of crew deaths in 2024. Other leading illnesses that led to fatalities were identified as infections, lung embolism and cancer. Seafarers 41 years of age and above were at the biggest risk, accounting for 82% of illness-related deaths.

Accidents

Gard registered more than 90 incidents resulting in crew deaths in 2024, with many of the fatalities occurring early in a seafarer’s contract. Seven incidents lead to fatal injuries – most of which were from falls and man overboard incidents. Overall, injuries accounted for 8% of crew fatalities.

Suicides

Gard said incidents of suicide recorded in 2024 remain concerning and notably, they exceeded the number of fatal accidents. Suicides accounted for 9% of crew fatalities, with most cases involving officers and occurring within the first three months of their contracts. In 75% of the cases, the seafarers were below the age of 41 – a younger profile than other deaths on board.

Most deaths from suicide were by hanging or drowning. Suicides by hanging happened overnight and were private and behind locked doors. Deaths due to drowning happened in daytime and were sometimes even witnessed by other crew, said Gard.

Gard said these findings underscore the importance of early intervention, having a trust-based culture on board, and not least, having an even stronger focus on mental wellbeing at sea.

Seafarer stress

The 25% rise in the frequency of crew death claims in Gard’s P&I mutual portfolio resulted in comparing the three years following the Covid-19 pandemic to the three years before it.

“This is a highly concerning development, and one we will monitor closely to see if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed,” said Gard vice president and head of people claims, Lene-Camilla Nordlie.

And stress is also a key factor, which was attributed to 8 out of the 10 most common illnesses among crew, according to Gard’s data.

“This underscores the importance of having a stronger focus on mental health and wellbeing at sea,” said Ms Nordlie. “While some stressors can be handled by seafarers themselves, many factors are controlled or influenced by companies and authorities.”

Seafarers also face fatigue, with irregular working hours (37%) and anxious feelings and thoughts (20%) as the leading causes, according to Gard’s Crew Wellbeing Survey 2024.

Gard chief claims officer, Christen Guddal, said there is a strong link between the health and wellbeing of seafarers and operational safety at sea.

“Getting enough rest, having good social support, being part of a team – all of this impacts your state of mind and situational awareness.”

“At Gard, we strongly believe prevention is better than cure. Many of the incidents we handle every year could have been avoided. With this report, we aim to shine a light on the real-life challenges of life at sea and encourage meaningful conversations and tangible health and safety improvements across the maritime industry,” Mr Guddal added.

Gard offers a free app, Mariners Medico Guide, designed specifically for seafarers, that contains guidance on both mental and physical symptoms, making it easier for crew members to seek help when they need it.

Summing up the report, Gard chief executive, Rolf Thore Roppestad, said, “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, and their health and safety should be a priority for all of us.

By sharing this data and insight, we hope to raise awareness, support better decision-making, and to further strengthen the industry’s commitment to those who keep the world trade moving.”