Merchant vessels overview 

According to the MAIB overview, of the total 1,521 occurrences, 880 concerned merchant vessels. Of the total 880, 596 marine incidents were reported. In addition, 249 incidents were classified as less serious, 30 were considered serious, and 5 were categorized as very serious, involving significant consequences such as loss of life, vessel loss, or major environmental impact.

Data also shows that 907 vessels were involved in marine incidents, with one vessel sunk and eight vessels abandoned. The incidents resulted in 111 crew injuries and two crew fatalities. 

Credit: UK MAIB

Types of vessels

The data also shows that vessels of 3,000 gross tons or more were involved in 628 incidents, indicating that large ships remain heavily represented in reported accidents. Mid-sized vessels in the 500–2,999 GT range accounted for 179 incidents, while smaller merchant vessels between 100 and 499 GT accounted for 50 each.

Types of incidents

The most common occurrence type in 2025 was damage or loss of equipment, with 376 cases reported. This was followed by accidents to persons (222 incidents), loss of control (81), collisions (67), and contact incidents (64).

More severe but less frequent events included groundings or strandings, fires or explosions, flooding or foundering, and capsizing or listing, which were comparatively rare but carry a high risk of serious consequences.

Injuries and fatalities

MAIB data indicates a total of 100 injuries and no deaths associated with passenger ships, making this vessel type the most injuries in 2025.

Cargo ships accounted for significantly less injuries (31 injuries) but were the only category in the merchant vessel overview to include fatalities (2 deaths).

Service ships recorded 29 injuries and inland waterway vessels recorded 9 injuries. Finally, recreational craft recorded 2 injuries and no deaths.