Marine Link
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Salvage

Marine salvage is the process of rescuing a ship, its cargo, or other property from peril. Salvage encompasses rescue towing, putting out fires, patching or repairing a ship, refloating a sunken or grounded vessel, moving a disabled vessel in order to clear navigation channels, and raising sunken ships or their cargo. Equipment involved in salvage operations may include cranes, floating dry docks, and support vessels (such as tugboats). Commercial divers may be called upon to perform underwater tasks and monitor progress below the surface.

Protecting the marine environment from pollution from cargoes such as oil or other contaminants is often an important part of salvage activities. Usually the vessel or valuable parts of the vessel or its cargo may be recovered for its resale value, or for scrap. The vast majority of salvage operations are contracted to qualified seamen and engineers working as professional salvors. Usually, contracted agents expect no financial reward unless the salvage operation is at least partially successful.

If salvage is not performed under a contract, then the rescuer must act voluntarily and aside from any legal duty to act, other than the acknowledged duty to render assistance to those in peril at sea or to attend after a collision. If the owner or the owner’s agent is still on the ship, they can refuse offers of assistance. A vessel found entirely deserted or abandoned without hope or intention of recovery is considered derelict and is fair game for anyone who comes across it. It is not true, however, that the rescuer or salvor automatically becomes the owner of the property. The owner always has the option to reclaim his property by paying an appropriate reward.

Tags: Salvage

Copyright Kruwt/AdobeStock

Marine Salvage and Wind Farms

Marine salvage is a risky business financially and physically and is governed by…

Photo: Christopher Rosario / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Salvage Industry Statistics Indicate Market Stabilization

The ISU has published its annual statistics for 2024, and the headline 2024 numbers…

Source: US Coast Guard

Morning Midas Finally Sinks

The car carrier Morning Midas sank on June 23 following the fire that broke out on…

© mario collura

Mike Lynch's Sunken Yacht to Be Brought to the Surface In Recovery Efforts

Late British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht will be recovered from the sea off the coast

Source: US Coast Guard

Salvors Arrive at Burning Car Carrier

A salvage team has arrived at the scene of the burning car carrier Morning Midas…

Shiling after the second incident. Photo: Nelson Marlborough rescue helicopter

Deferred Maintenance Implicated in Container Ship Loss of Control

Control was lost of the container ship Shiling in Wellington Harbour, New Zealand…

The towing vessel Baylor J. Tregre (left) is pictured on an unknown date and the ocean barge Marmac 27 is pictured after the casualty. (Source: Trinity Towing LLC)

Sudden Severe Weather Sank Towing Vessel

Severe weather caused an overwhelming towline force and unrecoverable heeling that…

Source: ATSB

Towage Delay Confounded Bulk Carrier Stranding

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued formal recommendations to…

Bayesian (File photo: Perini Navi)

Diver Killed During Salvage of Bayesian

Work to recover the late British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht off the…

The 56-metre-long (184-foot) Bayesian, with its majestic single 72-metre mast, was moored off the small port of Porticello. Credit: Adobe Stock/R

Salvage to Begin in Italy for Mike Lynch's Yacht After Fatal Sinking

The recovery of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's superyacht from the waters of northern…

All images courtesy Xenos Marine

Reviving a Heavy-Lift Giant: Xenos Marine's TX-10000 is Ready for Duty

One of the most powerful heavy-lift vessels ever built is entering a new chapter under U.S.

Bayesian (File photo: Perini Navi)

Bayesian Salvage to Commence in May

The superyacht that sank off Sicily last year, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch…

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