A new report from the P&I, marine and energy insurance provider Gard reveals a rise in seafarer fatalities with illness to be the cause of crew deaths registered in 2024. The causes of crew fatalities in 2024 were Illness (83%), suicide (9%), and injury (8%). The number of suicides was slightly higher than the number of incidents leading to fatal injuries on board.
Among the report findings is a 25% rise in the frequency of crew death claims in Gard’s P&I mutual portfolio when 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 Lene-Camilla Nordlie, vice president and head of people claims at Gard.
Gard registered more than 90 incidents resulting in crew deaths in 2024. The majority of these were related to illness, and many of the fatalities occurred early in a seafarer’s contract.
Illness claims made up 60% of the crew claims, with the most common issues being abdominal, heart conditions and back pain.
Injuries accounted for 37% of Gard crew claims registered in 2024, with finger and back injuries being the most frequently reported. The leading causes of injuries included cuts, crush incidents, slips and falls.
Incidents of suicide recorded in 2024 remain concerning and notably, they exceeded the number of fatal accidents. Most cases involved officers and occurred early in their contracts.
Drawing on claims data from 2024 and insights from over 6,000 seafarers, the Gard Crew Claims Report 2025 reveals a troubling increase in crew deaths and emphasizes the need to further prioritise mental and physical wellbeing at sea.
Among the Gard’s key report findings, Illness is the leading cause of deaths. 83% of the crew fatalities registered in 2024 were related to illness.
Stress is a key factor as 8 out of the 10 most common illnesses among crew can be caused or aggravated by stress.
Suicide rates also remain concerning, according to Gard’s data. The number of suicides among crew exceeded the number of fatal accidents.
Christen Guddal, chief claims officer at Gard, highlighted that 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.”
Rolf Thore Roppestad, chief executive officer of Gard, welcomed the report: “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.”
