sinked ship

In 2024, there were 13 fatalities in maritime accidents worldwide involving EU-registered ships, with all these fatalities only occurring in the territorial seas of EU countries. There were also 9 fatalities in accidents within the EU territorial seas involving ships registered outside the EU.

Between 2020 and 2024, on average, 19 people died worldwide each year in maritime accidents involving EU-registered ships. 

This information comes from data on maritime safety published recently. The article presents a handful of findings from the more detailed Statistics explained article on maritime accident fatalities in the EU. 

People killed in maritime accidents, by region of ship registration, 2020-2024 (number). Double bar chart. Link to full dataset below.

Source dataset: tran_sf_marv

Among the 13 fatalities worldwide in accidents involving EU-registered ships in 2024, 7 happened in the Atlantic Ocean, 5 in the Mediterranean Sea and 1 in the North Sea.

When looking at the type of ship, 9 reported deaths involved fishing vessels, 2 cargo ships and another 2 passenger ships. 

All 13 fatalities in 2024 were crew members. 

For more information

Methodological notes

  • The data are based on maritime accidents and incidents reported by the accident investigation bodies of EU Member States, Iceland and Norway to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
  • Marine accident refers to an event (or series of events) directly related to a ship’s operations that results in any of the following: 
    • the death of, or serious injury to, a person;
    • the loss of a person from a ship;
    • the loss, presumed loss or abandonment of a ship;
    • material damage to a ship;
    • the stranding or disabling of a ship, or the involvement of a ship in a collision;
    • material damage to marine infrastructure external to a ship, that could seriously endanger the safety of the ship, another ship or an individual; or
    • severe damage to the environment, or the potential for severe damage to the environment, brought about by the damage of a ship or ships. 
    • For full definitions please check the glossary for transport statistics.

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