Gard Report Warns of Dramatic Post-Pandemic Rise in Crew Fatalities
Norwegian marine insurer Gard has recently released its second Crew Claims Report, revealing a deeply concerning 25% increase in crew fatality claims in the three years following the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the three years prior.
This comprehensive study, based on roughly 3,000 crew claims from 2024 and survey responses from over 6,000 seafarers representing 46 nationalities, revealed this alarming trend. Though the maritime industry has weathered many storms, the latest challenge appears to be one of its own creation: the overall decline of crew health and mental well-being.
“This is a highly concerning development, and one we will monitor closely to see if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed,” said Lene-Camilla Nordlie, Vice President and Head of People Claims at Gard.
Sickness and Stress at the Helm
The report identifies illness as the leading cause of crew deaths, accounting for a staggering 83% of fatalities in 2024. Even more alarming, eight out of the ten most common illnesses reported among crew are either caused or exacerbated by stress.
Even more disturbingly, suicide claims among seafarers now surpass fatal accidents, highlighting a human crisis often overlooked in the interest of profit and efficiency. The report also notes that suicide at sea is likely to be significantly underreported.
Operational Safety Hinges on Mental Health
Christen Guddal, Chief Claims Officer at Gard, emphasized the close link between crew well-being and vessel safety:
“Getting enough rest, having good social support, being part of a team – all of this impacts your state of mind and situational awareness.”
Exhaustion, isolation, and anxiety not only affect seafarers’ lives but can also compromise navigational judgment and emergency response on board.
Mariners Medico Guide
In response, Gard has launched the Mariners Medico Guide, a free mobile app developed in partnership with medical professionals. Designed to help crew recognize and respond to both physical and psychological symptoms, this tool offers practical guidance to seafarers whenever needed, even thousands of miles from shore.
Industry Crossroads
For Gard CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad, the message is clear:
“Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, and their health and safety should be a priority for all of us. By sharing this data and insight, we hope to raise awareness, support better decision-making, and to further strengthen the industry’s commitment to those who keep the world trade moving.”
As global shipping faces tightening regulations, technological advancement, and climate change, the human element remains its most vital, and vulnerable, asset. This latest report published by Gard warns that, for the sake of the industry, seafarer health must be prioritized, or risk capsizing under the weight of preventable losses.
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys (and sailors ourselves!) located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.
6/30/25
Source Credit: www.gard.no
