Photography: Wojciech Wrzesien, Shutterstock Life at Sea: Mental Stress Drives Crew Health Risks
Sailors have always been seen as people with an adventurous, free-spirited lifestyle beyond the horizon. But behind all this romance lies a harsher reality: sailors face daily risks that include illness, injury, mental stress, and sometimes even death.
Marine insurer's Gard Crew Clam Report 2025 reveals how maritime work hides real dangers and is causing an alarming increase in deaths and suicide rates among seafarers worldwide.
The report, based on claims data from 2024 and insights from more than 6,000 seafarers, points to a worrying increase in crew fatalities, and highlights the need to continue to prioritize mental and physical well-being at sea. The report analyzes factors such as physical health, mental well-being, rest, and social support.
The key findings in the report speak of a 25% increase in the number of staff death claims compared to the three years before the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the report, 83% of deaths recorded in 2024 were caused by illness, which was the leading cause of death. Furthermore, 8 of the 10 most common illnesses among staff are caused or exacerbated by mental stress. The report notes that suicide rates are alarming, exceeding the number of fatal accidents
Photo: LEONARDO VITI, Shutterstock
Lene-Camilla Nordlie, Vice President and Head of People Claims at Gard: “This underscores the importance of having a stronger focus on mental health and wellbeing at sea. While some stressors can be handled by seafarers themselves, many factors are controlled or influenced by companies and authorities.”
Christen Guddal, Chief Claims Officer at Gard, highlighted the close link between seafarers’ health and wellbeing and operational safety 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. At Gard, we strongly believe that prevention is better than cure. Many of the incidents we handle every year could have been avoided. With this report, we aim to shine a light on the real-life challenges of life at sea and encourage meaningful conversations and tangible health and safety improvements across the maritime industry.”
Regarding free medical assistance for seafarers, Guddal also highlighted the importance of the Mariners Medico Guide, which is a free medical app developed by Gard in collaboration with leading health experts. The app is specifically designed for seafarers and provides guidance on mental and physical symptoms, allowing crew members to get help when needed.
Rolf Thore Roppestad, CEO of Gard: “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."