71 Seafarers Killed And 17 Bulk Carriers Lost In 10 Years, INTERCARGO Report Reveals
Our take
The recent INTERCARGO report detailing 71 seafarer fatalities and the loss of 17 bulk carriers over a decade is a stark reminder of the escalating risks facing maritime commerce, particularly in volatile regions. While maritime incidents are, unfortunately, not unprecedented, the concentration of casualties linked to missile, drone, and uncrewed vessel attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden represents a significant shift in the threat landscape. The five casualties specifically cited within the 2024-2025 timeframe underscore the immediacy of the problem and the need for proactive, data-driven solutions. This situation is further complicated by broader security concerns, as highlighted by the recent [Greek Police Recover €4 Million Stolen From Shipping Company In Business Email Compromise Scam], demonstrating that cyber threats remain a persistent and costly vulnerability alongside physical dangers. The increasing sophistication of maritime attacks necessitates a layered approach to security, integrating technological advancements with robust operational protocols and international collaboration.
The economic implications of these events are considerable. Disruptions to shipping routes, increased insurance costs, and the potential for delays ripple throughout global supply chains, impacting trade flows and potentially contributing to inflationary pressures. The need for heightened security measures also adds to operational expenses for shipping companies. This context resonates with concerns raised in a related piece about [Stranded Sulphur Cargoes In Strait Of Hormuz Face Significant Structural Corrosion Risk, Warns Brookes Bell], illustrating how seemingly disparate environmental and operational challenges can converge to create complex and costly risks for the maritime sector. Simultaneously, advancements in naval technology are being pursued, such as the [India, Japan Sign Historic Defence Pact To Develop UNICORN Masts For Indian Navy Warships], reflecting a growing investment in maritime security infrastructure, albeit primarily focused on national defense capabilities. The effectiveness of these defensive measures in protecting commercial vessels remains to be seen.
Beyond the immediate safety and economic considerations, the escalating maritime security challenges highlight a broader geopolitical instability. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are strategically vital waterways, and the increased threat level underscores the vulnerability of global trade routes to regional conflicts and non-state actors. The reliance on empirical data, such as that produced by INTERCARGO, is crucial for understanding the true scale of the problem and for informing effective risk mitigation strategies. Validated data allows for the calibration of security protocols, the optimization of resource allocation, and the development of predictive models to anticipate future threats. Integrated data ecosystems, combining real-time intelligence with historical trends, are becoming increasingly essential for navigating this complex environment, offering ocean intelligence that can inform strategic decision-making.
Looking ahead, the question is not *if* attacks will continue, but *how* the maritime industry and international bodies will adapt. The current situation demands a coordinated response, leveraging technological innovation and fostering unprecedented collaboration between governments, shipping companies, and security providers. Longitudinal studies tracking the evolution of attack methods and their impact on maritime operations will be critical for refining security measures and building resilience. Furthermore, the potential for autonomous systems to play a role in maritime security—both in defense and surveillance— warrants careful consideration, alongside the ethical and legal implications of such deployments. It is imperative that we prioritize the safety and security of seafarers while diligently working towards a more stable and predictable maritime environment, lest these incidents become a recurring feature of global trade.
Bulk carrier safety continues to show steady long-term improvement, but the nature of risk facing seafarers is becoming more complex and multi-layered.
INTERCARGO’s Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2026 covers the ten-year period from 2016 to 2025. Over that period, the global bulk carrier fleet grew from around 10,400 vessels in 2013 to 13,669 by December 2025.
Against that backdrop of significant expansion, 17 bulk carriers of 10,000 dwt or above were lost, representing 1.63 million dwt in total, with 71 seafarer lives lost. The rolling ten-year average of annual losses has fallen consistently throughout the period.
Annual casualties compared with the global total number of bulk carriers over 10,000 dwt, as shown in the graph below, have continued at a low level since 2018.
This progress reflects sustained improvements across the industry, including enhanced ship design, improved crew training, operational experience and strengthened regulatory compliance.
However, the findings also underline that while traditional accidents are declining, persistent and emerging risks remain, requiring continued vigilance and collaboration across the sector.
Persistent risks: learning from every loss
While overall losses have declined, the causes of the most serious incidents remain consistent:
- Cargo liquefaction remains the leading cause of loss of life, accounting for 37 fatalities (over 50% of the total). The concentration is stark: vessels in the 50,000–59,999 dwt range account for just four of the 17 losses but 52.1% of all lives lost, reflecting the particular danger of nickel ore and similar high-risk cargoes on these routes.
- Groundings remain the primary cause of vessel losses, responsible for 41.1% of cases. Losses are concentrated in vessels aged 15–19 years, underlining the importance of navigational discipline and passage planning as ships age.
- Flooding incidents, though fewer in number, account for nearly half of all lives lost
These figures underline the importance of practical implementation of existing safety frameworks, particularly the IMSBC Code.
INTERCARGO and its members continue to work closely with stakeholders to strengthen:
- Cargo declaration and testing procedures
- Enforcement by flag and port States
- Training for ship and shore personnel
- The practical implementation of the IMSBC Code, including more prescriptive requirements on moisture testing, sampling procedures and shipper declarations of cargo properties
- Transparency and timeliness of casualty investigations, to ensure lessons are learned and shared more effectively
A broader risk environment for seafarers
In parallel with operational safety, the report acknowledges the increasing complexity of the global operating environment.
Between 2024 and 2025, five bulk carrier casualties in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden were linked to missile, drone and uncrewed vessel attacks, resulting in fatalities and injuries. These incidents are recorded separately from the statistical analysis but reflect a wider challenge facing international shipping.
INTERCARGO reiterates its strong support for the principle of freedom of navigation and the need to protect seafarers working in high-risk regions.
Since this report’s data period closed, the industry has been reminded once again of the human cost of cargo risk. In early 2026, the MV Devon Bay was lost while carrying nickel ore, with two seafarers lost their lives and four remained missing. The incident falls outside the ten-year analysis but precisely reinforces the priorities this report identifies.
Commenting on the report, John Xylas, Chairman of INTERCARGO, said, “The steady reduction in bulk carrier losses over the past decades reflects the industry’s continuous efforts to improve safety. Behind these numbers are real lives, and every incident reinforces the importance of learning and acting together.
The risk environment is no longer defined by traditional operational challenges alone. INTERCARGO will continue to work with its members and partners to turn insight into action, so that improvements in safety are accelerated.”
A collective responsibility
With global dry bulk trade continuing to grow, INTERCARGO emphasises that maintaining and improving safety standards requires ongoing collaboration between all stakeholders, including shipowners, charterers, shippers, ports and regulators.
The continued decline in vessel losses demonstrates that industry efforts are making a difference. At the same time, recent incidents serve as a reminder that progress must be sustained.
INTERCARGO’s casualty analysis directly informs its broader programme of technical guidance and operational standards development for the dry bulk sector, most recently exemplified by its newly published Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers.
The full Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2026 is available at: [LINK]
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