Illness was the leading cause of death on board ship, accounting for 83% of fatalities, and close to 60% of these cases were due to heart disease. The report noted seafarers a heightened risk of cardiovascular illness due to factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and limited physical activity aboard ships.
Recent years have seen growing concern around the mental health and well-being of seafarers, and suicide was the second most common cause of fatalities on board ship in 2024. Suicide accounted for 9% of deaths, while injuries were the cause of 8% of fatalities last year.
In terms of deaths from injuries last year, there were six that were related to individual accidents, mainly falls, and one casualty that led to the loss of 13 lives.
Related:IMO chief calls for better crew accommodation and connectivity
Looking at suicides, Gard noted they were “relatively rare” but also found a number of similarities in the cases.
Drowning and hanging were the highest causes of death
75% suicides involved seafarers under the age of 41
Most suicides involved officers, both junior and senior ranks
Suicides were more likely in the first three months of contracts
None had attracted negative attention related to their work or sought psychological health.
In incidents of drowning where the seafarer has gone overboard, Gard noted the difficulty in distinguishing between an accidental or intentional incident. The club stated that it had taken a conservative approach in reviewing the incidents. Far from overstating incidents, the report said they feared suicides at sea may be underreported.
Rolf Thore Roppestad, CEO of Gard, commenting on the report’s findings as a whole, 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.”
Seafarers keep the world moving, yet many endure long months at sea, far from home.
Separation is part of their life — they know that. But knowing this, we must do more.
This short video from Befrienders Worldwide honours their vital role and calls for greater care, connection and support. Their voices matter. They deserve to be heard. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tBt87t2EePBDyRtEHPBYu1aYa4MIH3TD/view?usp=sharing
If you’re a seafarer needing to be heard, you can find out about our helpline at www.seafarer.support.
Thank you.
Safer Waves Supporting Seafarers
Safer Waves is a charity dedicated to supporting seafarers who have experienced sexual violence or harassment while working at sea. We offer a confidential email support service, practical guidance, and access to further resources to help those affected. No seafarer should feel alone.
If your organisation is looking for guidance on supporting crew or staff in this area, visit www.saferwaves.org. If you need support or know someone who does, you can anonymously access our support services directly by clicking here.
“Shore Leave Matters: Let’s Tackle Isolation Together!”
Many seafarers report feeling isolated and frustrated due to limited shore access, poorly maintained facilities, and inconvenient transport options. These challenges make it difficult for crew members to leave their vessels to rest and recharge, contributing to heightened mental strain.
Shore leave is not a luxury; it’s a vital opportunity for seafarers to rest and recover mentally. This quarter’s decline highlights the critical need to sustain efforts to improve seafarer welfare and avoid complacency in addressing the challenges they face.
If you cannot get off your ship, please reach out to Befrienders Help for Seafarers for support.
Let’s continue working together to ensure our seafarers have the support they need, both on and off the ship.