Crew Deaths Mostly Due to Illness, Report Finds

Source date: 2 September 2026. This is a background article based on reports up to that date; later developments are not covered.

Britannia Protection and Indemnity Club’s latest Crew Claims Report, based on nearly 3,000 claims from the 2023/24 and 2024/25 policy years, has revealed a significant trend in the maritime industry. According to the report, more than four in five seafarer deaths were caused by illness rather than accidents, underscoring the importance of preventative healthcare measures on board vessels.

Illnesses Account for Majority of Fatalities

Britannia’s analysis found that 81% of all crew fatalities were illness-related, while only 19% resulted from injuries. This finding challenges the traditional focus on operational safety and highlights the need for greater attention to seafarer health. Cardiovascular conditions, in particular, accounted for 58% of illness-related deaths, indicating that heart disease is the leading cause of seafarer fatalities.

The report also highlights that illnesses accounted for 60% of all crew claims, compared to 36% for injuries and 4% for fatalities. This data suggests that the industry must prioritise medical care and preventative health strategies to mitigate these risks.

Operational Risks Persist

Despite the predominance of illness-related deaths, the report identifies significant operational risks that continue to pose dangers to seafarers. Hand and finger injuries were the most common onboard injuries, accounting for 27% of injury claims. Additionally, more than one-third of injury-related fatalities involved man-overboard incidents, highlighting the persistent need for improved safety protocols and training.

Britannia’s report further notes that abdominal conditions were the largest category of illness claims, with dehydration-related kidney stones identified as a notable concern for seafarers working in hot climates. This finding underscores the need for better hydration management and medical support in tropical regions.

Mental Health Concerns

The report also brings to light worrying trends regarding mental health and the wellbeing of younger seafarers. Suicides and incidents of seafarers going missing at sea disproportionately affected younger age groups, indicating a critical need for targeted mental health support and interventions. While the number of cases remains relatively small, Britannia has observed a similar pattern across a broader four-year dataset, reinforcing the urgency of addressing these issues.

Maritime medical specialist Dr Katherine Sinclaire of MedSea collaborated with Britannia to develop the report, which includes practical recommendations for enhancing crew wellbeing and reducing people-related risks across maritime operations.

Industry Response

Commenting on the findings, Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention at Britannia P&I Club, stated, “Maritime safety is often viewed through the lens of accidents and operational incidents, but our latest claims analysis reveals a different reality. The maritime industry must prioritise long-term health and preventative care to safeguard seafarers effectively.”

The report’s release has prompted renewed calls for greater focus on preventative health measures, cardiovascular wellbeing, and mental health support across the maritime industry. Ship operators and managers are urged to integrate these findings into their safety and health policies to mitigate future risks.

What This Means for Operators

The findings from Britannia’s report have significant implications for ship operators and managers. It is imperative for them to implement robust health and safety measures that address both medical and operational risks. This includes improving access to medical care, enhancing preventative healthcare programs, and providing comprehensive mental health support for seafarers.

By prioritising these areas, operators can not only improve crew wellbeing but also reduce the likelihood of fatalities and claims, leading to more sustainable and safer operations at sea.