According to data released by UK P & I club, suicide rate among seafarers has more than tripled in just one year time span. In 2015 suicide was 4.4% of total crew deaths in Sea. Whereas same increased to 15.3% in 2016, with an increase of more than 3 times in suicide rate. Figures of 2017 may be more scary.
As per a research conducted, previously coal miners scored highest number of suicides amongst all professions. But today as per IMO the rate of suicide among International seafarers is triple than the shore workers. The trend is very alarming for the shipping fraternity.
Cadets and trainees appear to be most vulnerable as some 40% of suicides were of Junior officers and trainees.
Despite such high suicide rates in the shipping industry, seafarers mental health is still seen as a taboo and shipping companies also don't seem to address the situation. Analysis of crew mental health revealed anxiety, social isolation, pressure of work and disturbed sleep can all be experienced by crew. These situations often lead to incidents and in some very grave & sad cases it leads to death of the seafarer.
Mental breakdowns are very common among seafarers. In some cases it may turn violent also. In April 2016 two Chinese Seafarers were murdered by their own colleague while ship was enroute. In the most recent case a Russian seaman was stabbed in a fight between crew members.
Nature of Life at sea makes Seafarers more vulnerable to mental health issues as they are away from the family and friends for a long time. Everyday stresses that may ordinarily be relieved by confiding in family and friends ashore, can escalate at sea where he is away from family and social support network.
Mental health issues of seafarers take back seat as seafarers don't want to come out with it openly. Most of them refuse to share information regarding that because they are so afraid of losing their job and being blacklisted.
Government and administration must act swiftly on this alarming suicide rate of seafarers. All stakeholders including Unions need to address mental health issue of the seafarers before it’s too late.
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