- Seafarers aged 30+ accounted for most deaths, but younger seafarers are more prone to falling overboard.
- Bulk carriers, cargo ships, tankers, and container ships were involved in the majority of fatalities.
- Occupational accidents were more common in ports, while health-related deaths were more frequent at sea.
- Significant data gaps and inconsistencies across countries hinder efforts to improve maritime safety.
A landmark global effort has gathered data on seafarer deaths for the first time, shedding light on the leading causes of fatalities at sea and highlighting persistent safety and health risks faced by maritime workers. Drawing on input from 51 countries, the findings emphasize the pressing need for better data reporting and focused safety interventions under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as noted by the ILO Department of Statistics.
Establishing a Global Framework for Reporting Seafarer Deaths
In a significant move to enhance maritime safety, amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, took effect in late 2024, requiring all deaths of seafarers to be investigated, recorded, and reported annually to the ILO Director-General. This new provision aims to establish a global register of maritime fatalities and enhance data-driven safety measures across the industry.
The methodology adhered to international standards, incorporating definitions from the MLC, 2006, the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases, the ILO’s occupational injury statistics, and maritime transport classifications from reputable sources such as Equasis and the IMO. Despite its pilot status, the data collection received responses from 57 countries, with 51 providing usable data.
The 51 responding countries reported a total of 403 seafarer deaths. Illnesses and diseases were the leading cause, responsible for 139 fatalities. Many of these cases were linked to cardiovascular events and other chronic conditions worsened by physically demanding work, long hours, limited medical access, and high stress. Incidents involving persons overboard (91 cases) and occupational accidents (74 cases) together made up over a third of all reported deaths. Additionally, 26 suicides were recorded, underscoring the need for greater mental health support. Thirty-seven deaths were attributed to other causes, such as natural incidents, alcohol-related events, and violence, while 4% remained under investigation.
The data also confirmed the male-dominated nature of the industry, with over 95% of the fatalities involving men. This first global snapshot marks a vital step toward consistent and transparent reporting, helping shape more effective policies for seafarer welfare and safety.
Targeted Measures Needed to Address Seafarer Fatalities Across Ranks and Departments
Reducing seafarer fatalities from occupational accidents, persons overboard, and suicides requires a coordinated approach that goes beyond physical safety. Effective strategies must also include preventive healthcare, regular medical screenings, improved onboard facilities, and wellness programs tailored to the realities of maritime life.
A closer examination of the data reveals that able seamen were the most severely affected group. Of the 228 cases where rank was specified, nearly half of the fatalities involved able seamen. This partly reflects their significant presence in crew compositions, but also points to the risks inherent in their roles. While illness-related deaths were reported across all ranks, able seamen faced a notably higher rate of fatal occupational accidents.
Department-wise, nearly half of the 304 fatalities with known departmental information came from the deck department. This aligns with the high-risk nature of deck work, which often involves exposure to outdoor elements, time-sensitive tasks, and physical strain during operations such as mooring and cargo handling. Meanwhile, around 26% of the deaths occurred in the engine department, where seafarers were found to be at a greater risk of suicide. The catering department accounted for 15% of the fatalities.
These patterns underline the need for targeted safety training, department-specific risk mitigation, and robust mental health support for all crew members. Improving safety standards and wellbeing initiatives across departments and ranks is key to reducing preventable deaths at sea.
Age, Ship Type, and Location: Key Factors in Seafarer Fatalities
Age-related data shows that older seafarers remain the most affected by fatalities at sea. Among the 223 cases where age was recorded, 83% of victims were aged 30 or older, while 17% were between 19 and 29 years old. No deaths were reported among seafarers aged 16–18, which likely reflects the industry’s overall age distribution. However, younger seafarers—particularly those aged 19–29—were nearly twice as likely to fall overboard compared to their older counterparts, underscoring a potential vulnerability among newer or less experienced crew members.
Ship type was identified in 400 fatality cases. Bulk carriers alone accounted for nearly one-quarter of the deaths, while general cargo ships, container ships, and oil and chemical tankers collectively made up another 45%. These four categories together represented almost 70% of all reported fatalities. While the distribution of deaths by cause was consistent across vessel types, this trend suggests that risk is more evenly spread across commercial shipping categories than it is driven by ship type alone.
Ship size data was available for 323 fatalities, and nearly 80% of these occurred on medium and large vessels. However, similar to ship type, the cause of death remained consistent across different ship sizes, suggesting that vessel size does not significantly alter the primary risks seafarers face.
The vessel’s location at the time of the incident was recorded in 339 cases. More than 60% of the fatalities occurred while ships were at sea, reflecting the isolated and resource-limited environment in which many seafarers work. In contrast, nearly 30% of deaths took place while ships were in port. These findings underscore the importance of age-sensitive safety protocols, vessel-specific risk assessments, and ongoing safety vigilance, regardless of ship type, size, or location.
Data-Driven Solutions Needed to Strengthen Seafarer Safety
Fatality patterns vary notably based on the ship’s location. At sea, seafarers are nearly twice as likely to die from health-related conditions as from occupational accidents. This trend is attributed to limited access to immediate medical care while offshore. In contrast, when ships are in port, fatalities caused by health issues and occupational accidents occur at nearly the same rate.
Occupational deaths in port are often linked to demanding physical tasks such as cargo handling, equipment maintenance, and mooring operations that typically involve coordination between multiple teams and carry inherent risk. These findings underscore the need for environment-specific safety measures and improved emergency medical support, both on board and ashore.
To move forward, the industry must prioritize better data collection methods, standardized reporting protocols, and full participation from national authorities. Only then can the maritime sector develop effective, targeted policies that ensure safer conditions for those who work at sea.
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Source: ILO
