Study Shows Disturbing Trend of Suicide Among Seafarers

A statue in Odessa, Ukraine depicts a mother and child waiting for the return of their seafarer husband and father. According to Gard data, 57 seafarers have taken their own lives in recent years, accounting for more than one in ten crew fatalities. However, the actual number of suicides is believed to be much higher due to under-reporting.

Many crew suicides are disguised as workplace accidents to ensure life insurance payouts for the family of the deceased. Injuries, including slips and trips, falls from height, and accidents involving machinery, are common causes of death among seafarers. The dangerous environment onboard ships makes it easy for crew members to conceal suicides as accidents.

Gard’s data shows a significant increase in registered crew fatalities in 2021, with extended contracts and the strain of the pandemic contributing to the rise. The maritime industry still faces challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of seafarers. Gard emphasizes the need for continued efforts to protect seafarers from the inherent risks of life at sea.

Source .