Marine insurer Gard has published its latest Crew Claims Report, which highlights an increase in crew deaths and points to ongoing concerns about mental health and safety in the maritime industry.
The report draws on around 3,000 crew claims from Gard’s P&I mutual portfolio in 2024, as well as survey responses from more than 6,000 seafarers across 46 nationalities.
According to the data, the frequency of crew death claims rose by 25% in the three years following the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the three years before. Illness remained the primary cause of death, accounting for 83% of fatalities reported in 2024. The report also found that eight of the 10 most common illnesses could be linked to or worsened by stress.
Gard reported that suicides among crew outnumbered deaths caused by fatal accidents, with company representatives stating the trend calls for greater emphasis on mental health support.
“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 at Gard. She added that while individuals may manage some factors themselves, others are shaped by company policies and broader regulatory frameworks.
The Crew Wellbeing Survey, which formed part of the report, looked into physical health, access to rest, social connection, and perceptions of wellbeing. The findings suggest a link between personal health and safety outcomes 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,” said Christen Guddal, chief claims officer at Gard. He added that many incidents could be avoided through preventative measures.
Gard also promotes the use of the Mariners Medico Guide, a free medical app designed to help seafarers assess physical and mental health symptoms while on board. Developed with healthcare professionals, the tool aims to improve access to guidance and encourage early intervention.
Gard CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad said the report is part of the company’s broader effort to support safer working conditions: “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade. By sharing this data, we hope to support informed decisions across the industry.”
Gard provides P&I, marine and energy insurance, with gross written premiums of US$1.2 billion and 15 offices globally.
Are you an insurance professional in the maritime industry? What are your thoughts on this concerning news? Please tell us below
