A UK charity has urged crew to seek help with mental health problems after saying suicide is now the leading cause of deaths on vessels.

The Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) said the issue has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, with a number of reported suicides and attempted suicides on ships stranded by coronavirus restrictions.

The charity has extended its deal with mental health services provider Big White Wall (BWW) for another year, to offer help 24 hours per day online.