Marine insurer Gard has released its latest Crew Claims Report, revealing a concerning rise in crew fatalities and highlighting ongoing issues related to mental health and safety in the maritime sector. The report is based on approximately 3,000 crew claims from Gard’s P&I mutual portfolio in 2024, alongside survey responses from over 6,000 seafarers representing 46 nationalities.
The findings indicate a 25% increase in crew death claims in the three years following the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the preceding three years. Illness remains the leading cause of mortality, comprising 83% of reported fatalities. Alarmingly, suicides among crew members have surpassed deaths from fatal accidents, prompting Gard officials to call for enhanced mental health support within the industry. “This underscores the importance of having a stronger focus on mental health and wellbeing at sea,” said Lene-Camilla Nordlie, vice president and head of People Claims.
The Crew Wellbeing Survey, incorporated into the report, examined factors such as physical health, access to rest, and social connectivity. The results suggest that personal wellbeing significantly impacts safety outcomes at sea. Gard advocates for the Mariners Medico Guide, a free app designed to assist seafarers in assessing their physical and mental health, aiming to promote early intervention and better health outcomes.
Gard CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad emphasized the importance of this report in fostering safer working conditions, stating, “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade. By sharing this data, we hope to support informed decisions across the industry.”
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