Citation

Švetak J. Promet 2003; 15(1): 43-48.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Faculty of Traffic and Transport Sciences, University of Zagreb)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article reports on a study that analyzes the causes of maritime casualties. The author first analyzes a sample of 500 merchant ships, of different types and tonnage, under 15 different flags; the author determines age and type of ship and the causes of accidents over a period of 30 years. This survey of total loss shows that the casualties are due primarily to the following factors (in order by number caused, with highest first): stranding, fire, water-leaks, gales and collision. In the second analysis, the same 15 flags are considered, but in a larger group of merchant ships (n = 1,500). The results of both analyses are compared and are remarkably similar. The author concludes that all collisions, together with gales, result in 25% of maritime casualties, while stranding, fire and collision result in more than 50% of the total.