EMSA has published its Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2024, which presents statistics on marine casualties and incidents that cover the period from 1st of January 2014 to 31st of December 2023, reported by the EU Member States.
In 2023, most indicators, such as the number of occurrences, ships lost, fatalities, or injuries, were near or below the average values for the entire period from 2014 to 2023. A total of 2,676 marine casualties and incidents were reported in 2023, an increase of 49 compared to 2022 and a decrease of 66 compared to 2021. Over the entire period, 26,595 incidents were reported, with an annual average of 2,660. The number of incidents in 2023 was 0.6% higher than the annual average and 0.7% higher than the pre-pandemic average of 2,658. After a peak of 106 very serious casualties in 2018, numbers have shown a downward trend: 52 in 2020, 61 in 2021, 57 in 2022, and 45 in 2023.
Ship involvement trends
In 2023, 2,896 ships were involved in marine casualties and incidents, an increase of 70 compared to 2022 but a decrease of 74 compared to 2021. A downward trend is observed for cargo ships and fishing vessels.
Ship occurrence indicators
To compare different ship types, ratios were calculated between the number of marine casualties and incidents involving each ship type and their respective fleet sizes.
- Average occurrence indicator: From 2014 to 2023, the average indicator was 131, with a peak of 139 in 2019, a minimum of 115 in 2020, and 134 in 2023.
- Ship types: Passenger ships and cargo ships had the highest average indicators (250 and 147, respectively), while service ships and fishing vessels had the lowest (63).
Geographical distribution of occurrences
From 2014 to 2023, over half of marine casualties and incidents occurred in internal waters (port areas and other), followed by territorial seas and high seas. Data for 2023 are consistent with this trend.
- By voyage segment: The departure phase accounted for the lowest percentage of incidents (8.2%), while the “en route” segment represented the highest percentage (44.1%).
- By region: The North Atlantic (22.5%) and Mediterranean (17.9%) were the geographical areas with the highest occurrences, except for passenger ships, which had more incidents in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.
Investigations and safety reports
Between 2014 and 2023, EU Accident Investigative Bodies launched 1,196 investigations and published 1,001 safety reports.
- In 2023: A total of 75 investigations were launched, a 21.9% decrease compared to 2022. The number of investigations has been declining yearly since 2018.
Fatalities and injuries
- Fatalities: From 2014 to 2023, 650 lives were lost in 444 marine casualties, with a decreasing trend over time. In 2023, 89.7% of the victims were crew members, higher than the period average of 86.9%. The primary causes of fatalities were “slipping/stumbling and fall” and “collision.”
- Injuries: Over the period, 7,604 injuries were reported from 6,623 marine casualties and incidents, averaging 760 injuries per year. In 2023, 85.2% of the injured were crew members. The predominant causes of injuries were “body movement under or with physical stress” and “collision.”
Ships lost and damaged in 2023
In 2023, 11 ships were lost, a 57.1% increase compared to 2022. Additionally:
- 695 ships were damaged (52.6% increase),
- 215 ships were deemed unfit to proceed (12.6% increase),
- 730 ships required shore assistance (16.8% increase),
- 394 ships required towing (13.9% increase), and
- 24 ships, mainly fishing vessels, were abandoned (20% increase).
Pollution-related occurrences
In 2023, 54 pollution-related occurrences were reported, a 20% increase compared to 2022. However, there is a decreasing trend from 2014 to 2023.
Human element in marine casualties
From 2014 to 2023:
- 58.4% of accident events were linked to human action, and
- 49.8% of contributing factors were related to human behavior.
When combined, the human element accounted for 80.1% of investigated casualties and incidents.
Safety recommendations
Over the period from 2014 to 2023, the total number of safety recommendations issued, and actions taken reported was 2,691 and 44.8% of them were dealing with ship related procedures.
