81% Of Crew Fatalities Linked To Illness, Not Accidents, Britannia P&I Report Finds
Our take
The recent Britannia P&I Club report highlighting that illness accounted for a staggering 81% of crew fatalities during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 policy years presents a critical, and frankly concerning, shift in maritime safety dynamics. While accidents at sea remain a persistent threat, as evidenced by incidents like the attack on a Saudi oil tanker resulting in the tragic loss of two Filipino seafarers 2 Filipino Seafarers Killed After Attack On Saudi Oil Tanker In Strait Of Hormuz, this data underscores a previously underestimated vulnerability: the health and wellbeing of seafarers themselves. The historical focus on preventing collisions, structural failures, and other immediate hazards needs to be recalibrated to address the insidious threat of preventable illnesses, which are proving to be the dominant cause of loss of life. This isn’t simply a statistical anomaly; it represents a systemic issue demanding immediate and comprehensive action. The recognition of maritime heroes with Merchant Navy Medals UK Honours Maritime Heroes With 2026 Merchant Navy Medals For Outstanding Service further emphasizes the dedication of seafarers, making their vulnerability to illness even more poignant.
The implications of this finding are far-reaching, impacting everything from shipboard medical resources to crew recruitment and retention strategies. Historically, maritime medical provisions have often been reactive, focusing on emergency treatment rather than proactive preventative care. The data suggests a need for a paradigm shift, emphasizing longitudinal health monitoring, robust preventative programs addressing common ailments like respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges stemming from extended periods at sea. Furthermore, the extended deployments, as demonstrated by the US Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln’s 250+ days at sea US Navy Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln Passes Through Singapore Strait En Route To Thailand After More Than 250 Days At Sea, undoubtedly contribute to both physical and psychological strain, exacerbating the risk of illness. The integrated data ecosystem required to effectively address this issue necessitates the collection and analysis of real-time health data, calibrated against environmental factors and operational demands, to identify patterns and implement targeted interventions.
Beyond the immediate medical concerns, this report highlights a broader socioeconomic issue. Seafarers, often hailing from developing nations, face unique challenges including limited access to quality healthcare both onboard and ashore, potential language barriers hindering effective communication with medical personnel, and the isolating nature of their profession. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving shipowners, flag states, port authorities, and international maritime organizations. Validated protocols for onboard health screenings, standardized medical training for crew members, and improved access to mental health support are crucial components of a holistic approach. The empirical evidence now clearly indicates that prioritizing crew health is not simply a matter of ethical responsibility, but also a sound business practice, reducing operational disruptions, lowering insurance costs, and improving crew retention rates.
Ultimately, the Britannia P&I Club's findings represent a significant data point demanding immediate attention. The shift from a predominantly accident-focused safety model to one that prioritizes crew health requires a fundamental rethinking of maritime operations and resource allocation. The question now is: how quickly and effectively will the industry embrace this crucial shift, and what measurable improvements in seafarer wellbeing can we expect to see in the coming years? Longitudinal studies tracking the impact of preventative health initiatives will be vital in calibrating future strategies and ensuring the long-term health and safety of those who power global trade.
Illness caused 81% of crew deaths reported to Britannia P&I Club during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 policy years. Injuries caused the other 19%, according to a new report.
The report is based on nearly 3,000 crew-related claims recorded over the two years. Cardiovascular conditions were the main cause of illness-related deaths, making up 58%.
Britannia P&I Club prepared the Crew Claims Report with maritime medical specialist Dr Katherine Sinclaire of MedSea.
Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention at Britannia P&I Club, said maritime safety is often focused on accidents and incidents at sea. But the claims data shows that illness causes most crew deaths, especially cardiovascular disease.
He said crew welfare should also focus on long-term health and preventing illness.
Illness makes up most crew claims
Britannia looked at claims from 2023 to 2025 to find common risks and ways to reduce them.
Of the nearly 3,000 claims, 60% were for non-fatal illnesses and 36% were for non-fatal injuries. The other 4% were deaths caused by injury, illness or suicide.
These figures cover all claims. Looking only at deaths, 81% were caused by illness and 19% by injury.
Cardiovascular conditions made up 58% of illness-related deaths.
Abdominal conditions were the biggest group among illness claims. Kidney stones linked to dehydration were also a concern for seafarers working in hot conditions.
Younger crew face mental health risks
Suicides and cases where seafarers went missing at sea affected younger crew members more often.
The number of these cases was small. But Britannia found the same pattern in a wider four-year set of claims.
The club said younger seafarers need targeted support and psychological help.
Damgaard said crew safety is not only about preventing physical injuries. The personal and psychological problems faced by seafarers also need attention.
Hand and finger injuries are most common
Injuries are still a common risk onboard, even though illness caused most deaths.
Hand and finger injuries made up 27% of injury claims. Leg injuries accounted for 23%, while arm and shoulder injuries made up 15%.
Back injuries accounted for 10%. Head and eye injuries together made up 15%.
Britannia said these injuries are linked to the physical nature of seafaring. Crew members handle equipment, work with machinery and carry out tasks in changing conditions at sea.
The club said crews should stay involved in safety practices. It also stressed risk assessments, teamwork and open communication about hazards.
Man-overboard incidents
More than one-third of injury-related deaths involved people falling or going overboard.
Britannia said some operational risks therefore continue to affect crews, even though illness causes most deaths.
The report gives recommendations to help members improve safety, crew wellbeing and the way people-related risks are managed.
Damgaard said safety should go beyond simply following rules. He wants prevention to become part of everyday work onboard.
He said lessons from crew claims can help shipowners and crews reduce risks and prevent avoidable harm.
Britannia’s findings are similar to data from other maritime insurers.
Gard’s 2024 Crew Claims Report found that illness caused 74% of registered fatalities. Gard also linked this to World Health Organization data showing that non-communicable diseases, led by cardiovascular disease, cause 74% of deaths globally.
Separate P&I industry analysis found that suicide remains the leading single cause of death at sea.
Reference: Britannia P&I Club
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