•A statistical analysis of 1207 marine accidents worldwide from 2010 to 2019.•A critical literature review on previous studies on marine accident severity.•A study on the relationship between the influencing factors and accident severity.•Provision of recommendations for the improvement of maritime safety. This study aims to explore the relationship between the severity of marine accidents and influencing factors. An ordered logistic regression model is used to reflect the relationship between these factors and the severity of marine accidents using the worldwide accident investigation reports in the period of 2010–2019. The obtained results show that the marine accident severity is positively associated with sinking accidents, far away from port, strong wind, heavy sea, strong current and/or good visibility. With respect to ship types, fishing vessels, yachts and sailing vessels, and other ship types are the ship types most involved in accidents of higher severity. The severity level is higher for ships having incomplete or invalid seafarers’ certificates, inadequate ship manning, incomplete or invalid ship certificates and/or over 30 years of age. Seafarers with poor theoretical knowledge and less sea experience are more likely to be involved in accidents of serious consequences. Small water depth and ship types such as chemical tankers, oil tankers, container ships and/or bulk carriers are negatively related to the accident severity. The results of this study can be used to assist the relevant maritime authorities in taking effective measures of preventing the occurrence of serious marine accidents.