@tmsxmsail - Salvage is a complex, but regulated matter. The standard Lloyds open form is often construed as being outrageously disadvantageous to the distressed party, but it clearly specifies the liabilities and potential costs for both sides. There's a "no cure, no pay" type of deal (like the Lloyds), and the "risk" to the salvor and the salvor's damage mitigation play a big role. So without knowing the contract details (a verbal agreement to "can we help?" is often sufficient) it is hard to judge if the owner is being unfairly charged. I do recall when this happened that I thought to myself that the owner was a fool to publicize his sailing with defective steering and that he wasn't going to get any money from his insurance.

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