Commercial fishing is consistently ranked among the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Every year, an estimated 30–50 U.S. commercial fishermen lose their lives, while thousands more suffer serious injuries on the job. The leading causes of fatalities for commercial fishermen include vessel disasters, falls overboard, and hazardous weather conditions, while injuries often result from heavy equipment, entanglements, and repetitive strain. For those who suffer life-changing injuries, Jones Act Lawyers play a crucial role in helping fishermen and their families understand their rights and pursue compensation.
Most Common Types of Fishing Accidents
Harsh weather, heavy machinery, and long working hours create conditions where commercial fishing accidents are far too common. By understanding the most frequent types of accidents, we can see clearly how dangerous commercial fishing is and why safety measures are so critical for protecting workers at sea.
| Accident Type | Primary Causes | Common Outcomes |
| Vessel Disasters | Storms, flooding, collisions, or equipment failure | Drowning, hypothermia, fatalities |
| Falls Overboard | Slippery decks, rough seas, fatigue, missing guardrails | Drowning, hypothermia, lost-at-sea incidents |
| Equipment Injuries | Entanglement in nets, winches, or lines | Crushing injuries, lacerations, amputations |
| Repetitive Strain Injuries | Long hours of hauling, pulling, and lifting | Chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders |
| Onboard Slips & Trips | Wet decks, cluttered workspaces | Broken bones, sprains, head injuries |
How Dangerous is Commercial Fishing?
Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., often ranking at or near the top in fatality rates. The industry is marked by unpredictable seas, heavy machinery, and long work hours that expose fishermen to life-threatening risks on a daily basis. Based on data from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the numbers clearly reveal just how hazardous this line of work can be.
Annual Injuries & Fatalities in the U.S. Commercial Fishing
Fatalities
- On average, 30-50 fishermen die each year in the U.S., depending on the year and region.
- The fatality rate is extremely high: more than 100 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to about 3-4 deaths per 100,000 for the average U.S. worker.
- Leading causes of death:
- Vessel disasters (capsizing, flooding, sinking) ~40-50% of deaths.
- Falls overboard ~30% of deaths, with many victims not wearing life jackets.
- Onboard injuries (gear entanglement, being struck by equipment) ~10-15%.
Non-Fatal Injuries
- Roughly 3,000-4,000 injuries are reported every year among U.S. commercial fishermen (BLS, though experts believe underreporting is common).
- Most common non-fatal injuries include:
- Strains and sprains from hauling heavy gear.
- Lacerations and amputations from winches, cables, and nets.
- Crushing injuries caused by shifting loads or large equipment.
- Hypothermia and cold stress from extended exposure to freezing conditions.
- Strains and sprains from hauling heavy gear.
Regional Dangers for Fishermen
Not all fisheries are equally risky; some regions and types of catch are significantly more hazardous than others.
- Alaska fisheries, including Bering Sea crab, halibut, and salmon, have historically recorded the highest death tolls due to extreme weather and icy waters.
- Atlantic scallop and lobster fisheries also have elevated fatality rates, particularly in winter months when seas are rough.
- NIOSH identified the so-called “Deadliest Catch” fisheries (Alaskan crab boats) as having fatality rates of over 300 deaths per 100,000 workers in peak years, making them some of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
These statistics provide a sobering answer to the question: is commercial fishing dangerous? The risks are not only real but also far greater than in most occupations, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, mandatory life jacket use, better training, and stronger vessel safety standards to protect the lives of those who make their living at sea.
“Commercial fishing has long been recognized as one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. Harsh weather, strenuous work, and hazardous equipment put workers at high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.”
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Commercial Fishing Accident & Injury Statistics
Understanding the scope of commercial fishing accidents requires looking closely at the numbers. Data from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the commercial fishing industry consistently ranks among the deadliest in the United States.
The danger lies in the harsh combination of unpredictable weather, heavy equipment, and long hours at sea. While fatal accidents are tragically all too common, non-fatal injuries occur even more regularly and also take a significant toll on workers’ health and livelihoods.
| Metric | Approximate Value |
| Annual fatal deaths (recent) | ~43 per year (2000–2019) |
| Fatality rate | 114–204 per 100,000 FTE workers |
| Causes of death | Vessel disasters (≈47%), falls overboard (≈30%) |
| Non-fatal injuries | Limited data; BLS counted 610 injuries (2003–2009) requiring lost work time |
| Regional sample (NW U.S.) | 239 non-fatal injuries out of 375 incidents |
Speak with a Skilled Commercial Fishing Attorney
At BoatLaw, LLP, we know firsthand how dangerous commercial fishing can be and how devastating accidents are for fishermen and their families. That’s why having a trusted lawyer for commercial fishermen is so important when injuries occur at sea. Our mission is to stand by injured workers, helping them secure the compensation and justice they deserve after an accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial fishing accident, our experienced maritime attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us at 1-800-262-8529 or reach out online.
Did You Know?
Commercial fishing workers face a fatality rate over 30 times higher than the average U.S. worker. Despite making up a small portion of the labor force, the industry consistently ranks among the deadliest occupations according to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Legal outcomes and laws can vary by jurisdiction, and only a qualified lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Douglas R. Williams was raised in a military family. After retiring from the armed forces, his father sailed as the chief medical officer with many of the most popular cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. When not in school, Doug spent a good part of his youth in the crew quarters sailing with his father on cruise ships. He developed a practical knowledge of the maritime industry from a young age. Learn More here.
