How Common Are Deaths On Cruise Ships?

The annual mortality rate on cruise ships ranges between 0.14 and 0.25 deaths per 100,000 passengers, indicating a significant occurrence of fatalities annually. The odds of dying on a cruise ship are extremely low, estimated to be about 1 in 16 million per day at sea. Suicide, murder (29%), and falls overboard or from height (24%) were the primary causes of crew member deaths. The most passenger deaths occurred on Carnival Cruise Lines.

The most common cause of death on cruise ships is natural, primarily due to heart attacks. There have been limited studies concerning mortality on cruise ships, which are generally retrospective. In a five-year study by Marshall et al., there were 21 deaths on cruise ships. In fact, it is estimated that around 200 people die on cruise ships each year. Some estimates count three deaths on cruise ships per week.

More than 100 cruise ships have run aground since 1980, with only 28% of people who fall overboard will survive. 89% of cruise ship deaths are passengers, while 11% are crew members. A study by the maritime lawyers at Daspit Law Firm found that 356 people died aboard US cruise ships from 2002-2013, with 21 going missing. This averages out at just over 31 deaths a year, given the number of people going on cruises.

Deaths aboard a cruise ship are rare and the chance of one occurring is small. However, accidents resulting in injury or death are still common. Murders are usually committed by a person that the victim knows. Some estimates have put the figure at around 200 annually, working out at around four a week.