Arendal, Norway — Deaths among seafaring workers rose 25% between 2022 and 2024 compared with 2019-2021, and suicides among crew last year exceeded the number of fatal incidents, a new report shows.
The 2025 Gard Crew Claims Report is based on a comprehensive review of about 3,000 cases involving more than 6,000 seafarers from 2024 claims registered under the marine insurer’s portfolio. Further insights were drawn from Gard’s 2024 Crew Wellbeing Survey, which garnered responses from 6,000-plus seafarers of 46 different nationalities.
Most of the deaths (83%) in 2024 were related to illness. These were the most common ones reported: abdominal issues (gastritis, ulcer, etc.), cardiovascular conditions, back ailments, infection, psychological distress/disorder or fatigue, kidney stones, high blood pressure, appendicitis, and musculoskeletal or eye related.
Stress, the researchers note, is a common factor in causing or aggravating eight of the most common illnesses.
Among suicide cases, 75% involved seafarers younger than 41, and most were senior and junior officers on vessels.
Other findings:
- Finger and back injuries were the most frequently reported, followed by hand, knee, shoulder and leg. Thirty-seven percent of all crew claims were for injuries.
- The leading injury causes were cuts, crush incidents, slips and falls.
- Seafarers’ preferred coping mechanism when dealing with stress included speaking with family and friends (29%), talking to co-workers (18%), raising issues with supervisors and senior staff (16%), and reading/learning about mental health online (12%).
- Illness-related deaths were most common among seafarers ages 41-50 (35%) and 51-60 (31%).
- The most common causes of fatigue were irregular work hours (37%), loud noises aboard ships (23%) and anxious feelings/thoughts (20%).
The report includes recommendations on how ship operators can take steps to improve seafarers’ mental health and well-being.
