Marine Insurer Gard’s Recent Report Shows Increasing Suicides Among Seafarers At Sea
Norwegian Marine Insurer Gard has published a recent report; the Gard Crew Claims Report 2024, after analysing 5 years of relevant data from more than 20,000 cases.
It sheds light on issues like seafarers’ health, safety, injuries and illnesses.Â
However, the most worrying aspect of the report was that 11% of crew fatalities on its insured fleet from 2019 to 2023 were a result of suicide. The actual percentage might be much higher, given the underreporting of such cases, Gard mentioned.Â
Seafaring has higher rates of suicide than other careers, given it is mentally and physically challenging, however, there are no official statistics nor studies on how serious it is and what can be done about it, despite many firms calling for greater transparency on this issue.
There is not a single unanimously agreed framework to record suicides at sea which has led many to argue that suicides at sea are underreported.Â
Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, said that many studies place seafarer suicides at 5 to 12%. There is an indication that these figures are more than the ones recorded onshore.
Jones added that there was a lack of truthfulness over the issue and most data regarding the same is not completely reliable.
A 2022 UK Government Report stated that suicides at sea are underreported due to the difficulty in confirming if it was a suicide or not.Â
Additionally perceptions of how insurance works regarding suicide lead sailors to do everything they can to ensure their families survive financially and get the payouts.
The report noted that suicide and mental health issues leading to it are poorly understood in the shipping industry, mainly due to the ‘macho’ culture promoted among the workforce onboard.
Also, there are cultural misgivings or a certain taboo around suicide in certain nationalities, particularly in Asia, with seafarers from China and the Philippines being very uncomfortable in engaging with the issue, which also makes shipowners reluctant to raise the issue among the crew themselves, the report added.
Research by Yale which began in 2020 by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, found that around 20% of the seafarers surveyed had thought of suicide at least once.
Though data is limited, analysis shows that seafarers in general, suffer from higher rates of depression than those engaged in other careers. This calls for appropriate mental health policies and further research to understand the issue and its causes better.
There are other cultural implications which need to be addressed as well such as the criminalisation of suicide in some countries.Â
Reference: Gard
Marine Insight Academy
Online courses for the Maritime industry!
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Marine Insight Academy
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox
Sign Up To Get Daily Newsletters
Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT