Illness caused 81% of seafarer deaths recorded by Britannia P&I during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 policy years, compared with 19% caused by injury. The figures come from almost 3,000 crew-related claims handled by the club.
Cardiovascular conditions were the leading cause of fatal illness, accounting for 58% of death claims. By comparison, cardiovascular problems represented only 9% of non-fatal illness claims. The risk was particularly evident among seafarers over 50, reflecting the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease with age.
Injury remained a significant source of claims. Britannia recorded 17 fatal injury cases, including six involving man overboard incidents. Many of these followed falls overboard in heavy weather.
Among non-fatal injury claims, hands and fingers were most frequently affected, accounting for 27% of cases. Leg injuries represented 23%, followed by arms and shoulders at 15% and back injuries at 10%. Head and eye injuries together accounted for another 15%.
The claims data also showed a different pattern among younger seafarers. Suicides and missing-at-sea cases were more common in the younger age groups, particularly those aged 20–29. Britannia said the numbers are too small to establish a firm statistical conclusion, but the same pattern has appeared in a broader four-year dataset.
Illness accounted for 60% of all crew claims during the two-year period, while non-fatal injuries made up 36% and fatalities from illness, injury or suicide accounted for 4%.
Among non-fatal illnesses, abdominal conditions were the largest category. Britannia also highlighted dehydration-related kidney stones as a particular concern for crews working in hot climates.
The findings suggest that reducing seafarer fatalities requires more than accident prevention. Britannia is calling for greater attention to cardiovascular screening, routine health management, risk assessment, safety engagement and mental wellbeing, alongside stronger communication about hazards on board.
