Maritime

‘Suicide Accounts For More Deaths At Sea Than Injury Incidents’

Published

11 months ago

August 4, 2025

Experts have said suicide cases accounted for more deaths at sea than fatal injury incidents, according to a major new survey, which looked at the fleet insured by Norway’s Gard.

Gard’s second crew claims report, published last week, outlines trends and developments in seafarer injuries, illnesses and fatalities worldwide drawing on claims data from 3,000 cases last year and insights from over 6,000 seafarers with the suicide data grabbing headlines.

“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”, said Lene-Camilla Nordlie, head of people claims at Gard.

Most suicide cases involved officers, both senior and junior. In 75% of the cases, the seafarers were below the age of 41 – a younger profile than other deaths onboard.

Most deaths from suicide resulted from hanging or drowning. In most cases, death by suicide was excluded from contractual compensation.

This alarming statistic, where self-inflicted deaths surpass those from occupational accidents, echoes a finding from the International Labour Organization (ILO) which, in its 2023 data based on information from 51 countries, reported 26 suicide cases (6.5% of total deaths) among seafarers, with a further 91 cases of person overboard incidents where the cause remains undetermined but may include suicides.

For years, mental health issues among seafarers have been described as a silent epidemic, largely due to the unique challenges of the profession and a pervasive culture of underreporting.

Experts like Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, have long suggested that actual suicide figures are likely much higher than official statistics.

Historically, the absence of a single, agreed international framework for recording suicides at sea has contributed to this opacity.

Reasons for underreporting include the difficulty in definitively determining if a death at sea is suicide without eyewitnesses, and a desire to protect families emotionally and financially, as insurance payouts can be affected by suicide classifications.

There is also a deep reticence to discuss the issue within the industry, compounded by cultural sensitivities around suicide.

Multiple studies and industry reports consistently point to a confluence of factors contributing to the severe mental health strain on seafarers. Factors include prolonged isolation and separation, crew fatigue and sleep deprivation

More shipping companies and maritime charities are offering anonymous helplines with multilingual support, counselling services, and online platforms to improve access to mental health resources.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.

The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.

The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).

Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.

The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.

The Naval statement warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.

Chinedu Wosu

Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state

The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations

Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.

Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources

According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.

He said the intelligence revealed the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.

“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.

The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.

Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.

The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.

Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.

CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,

Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.

Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.

He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.

Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.

According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.

Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.

Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.

The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.