What does a rescue at sea cost?

Short answer

You pay nothing for the rescue of people. As soon as the boat is the object, it becomes salvage, and salvage costs.

Get a quote Boat insurance overview

The most important point first, because it saves lives: anyone in distress at sea should call for help, immediately. The rescue of people from distress is carried out by the responsible rescue services free of charge. Fear of an invoice must not stop anyone making that call, and on this point the fear is unfounded.

The boat is another matter. As soon as it is no longer about people but about the vessel, assistance becomes salvage, and salvage is a service that carries a salvage award. It is measured by the value saved, the effort and the danger, and it can be substantial. Commercial salvors also often work on their own contract forms, signed on board under pressure.

Three rules follow for the day it happens. First: people first, cost is irrelevant. Second: before you sign anything for a salvor, contact your insurer, even in the middle of the night, which is what emergency lines are for. Third: keep the language clear between a distress call and a towing job. A breakdown is not distress at sea, and calling a towing service creates a contract.

Does the emergency call cost anything?

No. The rescue of people from distress at sea is free of charge. Do not hesitate over cost, that is the wrong calculation.

What is a salvage agreement?

An agreement on a salvage award, often on a no cure, no pay basis. Sign nothing without consulting your insurer if the situation allows it at all.

Burden of proof Left unattended Getting home