Maritime accidents involving EU-registered ships resulted in 22 fatalities worldwide in 2025, seven more than in 2024, according to new data published by Eurostat.
T he figures, released on 27 October 2026, show that most victims were crew members, while cargo ships and fishing vessels accounted for the highest number of fatalities. Of the 22 people who lost their lives, 19 were crew members, representing 86.4% of the total. The remaining three fatalities involved other personnel, including categories such as dock workers, pilots, inspectors and service personnel. No passenger fatalities were recorded.
According to Eurostat, cargo ships and fishing vessels each accounted for eight deaths, representing a combined 72.7% of all fatalities. Passenger ships, recreational craft and service ships recorded two deaths each.
In terms of geographical distribution, the Atlantic Ocean accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 10 deaths, or 45.5% of the total. Two fatalities occurred in the Mediterranean Sea and another two in the North Sea, while one was recorded in the Baltic Sea.
A further five fatalities occurred in other regions worldwide, while the locations of two deaths remain...