Death at Sea: What Happens When the Worst Happens Onboard

Written with respect for maritime tradition, medical protocols, and human dignity.

Trigger Warning: This post addresses death and may be confronting for some readers.

Yesterday, we lost a guest onboard.

Despite everything—the crew’s fast response, early defibrillation, and remote medical support—we couldn’t save him. He suffered a sudden heart attack. CPR was started immediately and continued for over 38 minutes.

At sea, these decisions don’t come easily. We push as hard and as long as we can. But when there’s no response, no shockable rhythm, and no sign of life, the hardest call must be made. The doctor advised us to stop. The final decision fell to the captain.

It was a confronting, human moment—one we don’t talk about enough in this industry.

So, what happens next?
How do we care for the person who has died, the crew who fought to save them, and everyone left onboard?

Step 1: Cease Resuscitation and Declare Death

It’s the call no captain or crew member ever wants to make. But once all efforts have failed—CPR, defibrillation, remote advice—someone dies onboard.

According to the Ship Captain’s Medical Guide and the Skipper’s Medical Emergency Handbook, in international waters, the Master of the vessel holds the authority and responsibility to declare death when no doctor is present.

When to stop resuscitation:

• No breathing or heartbeat

• Fixed, dilated pupils

• No response to prolonged, high-quality CPR (30+ minutes)

• Remote medical support confirms futility

• Signs of lividity or rigor mortis (if present)

Record the time of death and circumstances clearly in the ship’s log.

Step 2: Laying Them Out — Dignity in Death

Here is where leadership and humanity matter most.

Before moving straight to cold storage, stop. Care for the deceased as we would on land—in nursing, this is sacred work. It preserves dignity, helps the crew, and acknowledges that this person mattered here.

Where possible:

• Remove medical equipment (defib pads, tubes, IV lines)

• Gently wash the body—remove blood, sweat, medical residue

• Close the mouth naturally; support the jaw if needed

• Place cotton wool in cheeks or gently tape the mouth closed (if appropriate)

• Tape the eyes closed if they remain open

• Dress the body in clean clothes or uniform

• Lay them out respectfully—hands by sides or across the chest

• If possible, place the body in a cool, quiet, air-conditioned cabin, allowing crew or family to say goodbye

This isn’t legal protocol—it’s human protocol.

Step 3: Secure and Preserve the Body

After allowing time for final respects:

• Wrap the body in a clean sheet or body bag

• Move to the coolest area available (refrigeration if possible, without food contamination)

• Handle with care and dignity at all times

Note: Burying at sea is almost never appropriate on a superyacht and should only occur if legally directed by maritime authorities.

Step 4: Notify Authorities

Begin official reporting:

• Contact your medical provider (MSOS, THEMIS, or equivalent)

• Notify the owner’s representative, agent, and family

• Inform port authorities at your next destination

• Follow flag state requirements for death reporting

Step 5: Support Your Crew

The psychological impact of a death onboard is profound. Do not overlook it. Arrange for:

• Immediate debriefing

• Psychological first aid

• Time off duty for those directly involved

• Ongoing monitoring, especially before re-engaging with guests or family

A Final Word: The Captain’s Burden

You are responsible—for the living, and now the dead.
It is one of the heaviest duties a captain will ever carry.

Handled well, it becomes one of the most important acts of leadership and humanity you’ll perform.

Prepare your crew:

• Practice drills

• Carry body bags, cotton wool, clean sheets

• Know the legal and procedural steps

• But most importantly—know the spirit of what’s required

At sea, closure matters.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always follow your yacht’s medical protocols and consult your telemedicine provider or doctor when dealing with death or any medical issue at sea.

P.S. This scenario is fictional. The image used was AI-generated—no real yacht, guests, or crew were involved.