In an industry home to tough jobs in challenging environments, maritime work and risks to mental health go almost hand in hand. Yet despite a far higher suicide rate than most other careers, the industry has long lacked the collective will to face this crisis head-on. It has allowed suicide to remain its dark underbelly, buried under layers of fear—fear of reputational damage, legal repercussions, and the challenge of attracting and retaining talent.

But ignoring this issue will not make it disappear. The crisis will only deepen, leaving seafarers more vulnerable than ever. To create meaningful change, maritime operators must intervene earlier, ensuring that seafarers have access to mental health support before the situation becomes dire. Addressing this issue proactively is not just an ethical imperative but a business necessity.

Suicide is a Hidden Epidemic

Seafarers work in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable—long contracts, extended periods away from family, physically demanding tasks and pronounced isolation. Yet, mental health support within the industry remains inconsistent at best and completely lacking at worst.

One of the biggest challenges is the chronic underreporting of suicides at sea. Without clear, standardised processes for tracking these tragedies, the full scale of the problem remains obscured. This leaves companies operating in the dark, unable to fully understand the true risks their crews face and unable to develop effective mental health initiatives.

A 2024 report by Gard, a leading maritime insurer, revealed that 11% of 400+ seafarer deaths from 2019 to 2023 were due to suicide. However, the report also suggests that actual numbers may be significantly higher due to the lack of proper reporting. Similarly, Yale University’s 2020 research for the ITF Seafarers' Trust found that 20% of surveyed seafarers had experienced suicidal thoughts, highlighting a mental health crisis that demands urgent attention.

It’s Time to Break the Silence

Suicide at sea is the “elephant in the room” that many within the industry are reluctant to address. However, silence and stigma only exacerbate the problem. Change begins with transparency—acknowledging that mental health issues exist, that they are serious, and that they require immediate, industry-wide collaboration.

A 2022 report by the UK Department for Transport found a number of factors that contribute to the underreporting of suicides at sea. These include cultural stigmas, inconsistent reporting standards and more. Among other reasons:

• Reputation Management: High suicide rates can damage a company's reputation, impacting everything from new business to crew recruitment.
• Legal Consequences: Suicides can fuel legal action regarding working hours, on board conditions, bullying, leadership, healthcare policies and more.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Government regulators and industry organizations may launch investigations into a ship’s working conditions.
• Financial Issues: Insurance policies and compensation claims may not cover suicide, leading to financial disputes with the deceased's family.
• Recruitment & Retention: Suicides can spread fear and anxiety among crew members and deter new talent from joining their ranks.

Maritime personnel may also face internal pressure to underreport suicides to comply with corporate benchmarks, or the desire to project an image of safety and wellbeing. However, it’s time for these practices to end. Suicides are not just an  inconvenient statistic.

By breaking this silence and fostering open discussions, maritime operators can build a culture where mental health is prioritized rather than ignored.

The Need for Action

Given the nature of seafaring, early mental health intervention is critical. Companies must shift from reactive responses to proactive strategies that support mental well-being from the moment a seafarer steps on board. This includes:

• Mental Health Training: Educate crew members to recognise early warning signs of distress among their peers.
• Access to Support Services: Ensure seafarers can confidentially access mental health professionals on board and during shore leave.
• Work/Life Balance: Implement policies that allow for adequate rest periods, communication with family and shore leave when possible.
• Transparent Reporting: Encourage honest discussions around mental health and implement standard frameworks for reporting suicides at sea.

Today’s healthcare tools even support predictive care by identifying signs that a seafarer may be heading toward a crisis. This allows for early interventions that can help keep workers healthy and productive.

The Suicide Conundrum: A Challenge of Data and Stigma

Despite overwhelming evidence that mental health struggles are prevalent among seafarers, the available data remains fragmented and unreliable. There is no single international framework for recording suicides at sea, making it difficult to assess the full scope of the crisis.

Recent findings from the 2024 SEAFIT Crew Survey highlight the primary barriers to mental health support on board. These include a lack of awareness among seafarers about symptoms of mental health issues and common coping strategies; limited or inconsistent access to mental health support, either on board or through telehealth; lack of free time to address their mental health through counselling or self-directed means; and a general stigma around seeking mental health support.

For some, this stigma extends to their cultural roots, as many modern seafarers come from places with a negative view of psychiatric care and deep shame around suicide.

A Roadmap for Change

To effectively address suicide at sea, the maritime industry must take decisive action. Three things we can do to address this crisis include:

1. Improve Reporting Standards: Establish an international framework for accurately reporting suicides at sea.
2. Enhance Mental Health Support: Implement comprehensive programmes, including telehealth counselling, peer support networks, and on board wellness initiatives.
3. Cultural Transformation: Reduce the stigma around mental health care to encourage more seafarers to seek help before reaching a crisis.

Partnering for Change

At VIKAND, we understand the critical role mental health plays in the overall safety and well-being of seafarers, and we stand ready to help maritime operators safeguard their crews through comprehensive mental health strategies.

It is time for the industry to move beyond reactive measures and embrace a proactive—even predictive—approach to seafarer mental health. Suicide at sea must no longer be a hidden issue. Through transparency, intervention and collaboration, we can work together to protect those who dedicate their lives to the maritime industry.

By implementing strong processes, engaging with industry stakeholders and prioritising mental well-being, we can ensure every seafarer has access to the support they need—before it’s too late.