Geneva — Work-related incidents accounted for almost 20% of deaths among seafarers in 2024, according to the International Labor Organization.
Looking at data from 66 countries, ILO identified 449 seafarer deaths that year. Illness or disease (including cardiovascular issues) was the leading cause, accounting for 245 deaths (54.5%). Work-related incidents followed, resulting in 86 seafarer deaths. The incidents occurred primarily during on-board operations such as cargo handling, maintenance work and mooring operations, or as a result of slips, trips and falls.
Other notable causes: person overboard (36) and suicide (26).
“Limited access to immediate medical care at sea and delays in evacuation can exacerbate health risks,” the organization says.
