Allianz’s annual casualty review puts the number of ships totally lost in 2014 at 75, some 32% below the previous year.

The most common cause of total losses is foundering, accounting for 49 ships or 65% of losses in 2014.

Grounding was the second most common cause accounting for 13 vessels, with fires and explosions accounting for four more ships.

The Allianz report says there were 2,773 casualties globally during the year with European waters the most hazardous.

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