Commercial Fishing

Commercial Fishing Safety: Hawaii/Pacific

At a glance

During 2000-2019, 12 fishing industry workers died in Hawaiian waters, with falls overboard being the leading cause of worker fatalities.

Distant water tuna purse seiner in Guam. Photo courtesy of USCG.

Quick Stats

During 2000-2019, 12 Fishing Industry Workers Died in Hawaiian Waters.1

Types of Incidents Causing Fatalities

  • Falls Overboard (7, 58%)
  • Vessel Disaster (2, 17%)
  • Onboard Fatality (2, 17%)
  • Diving Fatality ( 1, 8%)

Top Causes of Death:2

  • Drowning (9, 75%)
  • Blunt Force Trauma (1, 8%)
  • Smoke Inhalation (1, 8%)
  • Poisoning (1, 8%)

Fisheries with the Most Fatalities

  • Tuna Longline (6, 50%)
  • Other/Unknown (6, 50%)

Research Highlights

Injuries and fatalities in the Distant Water Tuna Fleet

Resources

US Coast Guard District 14

Hawaii Sea Grant

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Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  1. The NIOSH Commercial Fishing Incident Database only includes cases that occurred within 200 miles of Hawaii. Incidents in the greater Pacific area, such as around Guam or American Samoa, are not routinely included.
  2. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding.
  • NIOSH Commercial Fishing Incident Database (CFID)