Loss Prevention Advice
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Crew Claims Report 2023/24 & 2024/25, analysing claims data to identify emerging patterns and inform strategies to reduce future risk.
The review covered approximately 3,000 crew-related claims recorded over the two-year period. Non-fatal illnesses accounted for 60% of claims, while 36% involved non-fatal injuries. The remaining 4% were fatalities resulting from injury, illness or suicide.
Key findings of the report:
- Approximately 3,000 crew-related claims were recorded over the two-year period. Of these, 36% related to non-fatal injuries, 60% to non-fatal illnesses, and 4% to fatalities arising from injury, illness or suicide.
- Injury claims were most commonly associated with the hands (27%) and legs (23%), followed by arms and shoulders (15%) and the back (10%). This distribution reflects the physical demands of seafaring, including manual handling, machinery operation and working in a dynamic maritime environment. Head and eye injuries (15% combined) were also notable, suggesting inconsistent use of personal protective equipment. While safety procedures are already in place on board, further emphasis is needed on crew engagement with safety practices, effective risk assessment, teamwork and open communication around hazards.
- Illness claims covered a broad range of conditions, with abdominal issues accounting for nearly a quarter of cases, often without a clear cause. Genitourinary (10%) and circulatory (9%) conditions were also significant. Although many illnesses are influenced by individual risk factors and may not be fully preventable, promoting healthy lifestyles (balanced nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and adequate hydration) and awareness of common symptoms may help reduce incidence and improve outcomes.
- The majority of deaths were illness-related (81% of total deaths). Among deaths caused by injury (19%), over a third involved man overboard incidents, highlighting the need for further analysis to identify additional preventative measures. Suicide remains a concern, particularly among younger seafarers in the age group of 20 to 29 years, indicating a need for enhanced mental health support and targeted interventions for this group.
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Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company Bahri said on 2 September that two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security incident involving its vessel SIDR as it transited the Strait of Hormuz on 31 August.
Bahri did not provide further details on the incident or say what caused the deaths. To remind, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had reported that on 31 August a tanker had being struck by three unknown projectiles while sailing outbound through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Full advisory at the following link,
https://safety4sea.com/two-filipino-seafarers-dead-in-incident-in-the-strait-of-hormuz/
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A rise in alleged smuggling cases in Togo involving vessels exchanging goods with local fishermen, warning that such activity may be interpreted as a serious Customs infringement with severe consequences.
According to local correspondent Budd Group, undeclared transfers or bartering with local fishermen in Togolese waters can result in substantial Customs fines, vessel detention and imprisonment of crew members. Recent cases have involved fines ranging from €120,000 to €400,000, while crew members have been imprisoned for between three months and three years.
Under the Togolese Customs Code, goods or materials cannot be discharged or transferred without prior written authorisation from Customs. Unauthorized exchanges, including sludge barrels, bottled water, scrap metal, old ropes or small quantities of fuel for seafood, cigarettes or SIM cards, are categorized as undeclared import or smuggling.
Fines can be calculated based on both the goods exchanged and the financial value of the transport involved, including the full market value of the vessel.
Budd Group reported a recent case involving an ocean-going vessel at Lomé anchorage that transferred 35 cans of fuel residue, approximately 875 liters, to a local pirogue in exchange for fish, cigarettes and SIM cards.
The incident resulted in criminal sanctions of one to three years’ imprisonment for crew members involved and a calculated financial penalty exceeding XOF 84.6 billion, approximately €129 million, based on quadruple the combined value of the fuel, Customs duties and estimated market value of the vessel.
Key recommendations
- Operators have to make sure the Master and crew are fully aware of this issue before calling at ports in Togo, and to ensure that they do not engage in any form of item exchange with local craft at anchorage.
- The correspondent also recommends keeping all unauthorised local craft away from the vessel. In case of any unauthorised approaches, to log, photograph and report the craft to harbour authorities and local agents immediately.
- If approached by Togolese Customs or presented with a Procès-Verbal (PV), contact the Insures and the local correspondent for assistance before signing any official documentation.
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Below you will find a weekly report dated 2 September 2026, covering the period of 20 to 26 August, where the following incidents were reported:
- 0 maritime security incidents in West Africa in the last 7 days
- 4 maritime security incidents in the Indian Ocean/Middle East in the last 7 days
- 0 Somalia-based piracy incident reported in the last 7 days.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://britanniapandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ARC-Weekly-Report-02.09.26_Redacted.pdf