Salvage (the recovery of lost or damaged vessels) is a recurring theme in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series, with descriptions of rescues of stricken boats.
Sharks or Yarmouth sharks claim salvage on boats and Wreckers wreck boats to pillage the contents. The books have stories of sharks who help unsuspecting skippers in a tight spot, then claim salvage rights over the rescued vessel.
Salvage in the books
- Swallowdale: A detailed description of the wreck and salvage of Swallow, followed by a trip to the boatbuilders under jury rig.
- Coot Club: The crew of Teasel are harrassed by Yarmouth sharks as they pass the Yarmouth bridges (CC18). At the climax of the book, Margoletta sinks in the perilously tidal Breydon Water — necessitating a dramatic salvage by the Death and Glories.
- The Big Six: George Owdon talks loudly to his friend Ralph in their hearing about the Death and Glories: "You've heard of Yarmouth sharks? .. They wreck boats and then get the credit for salving them. No better than common thieves." (BS2).
- We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea: Jim Brading tells a horror story about his friend Ellright's yacht being seized for salvage by some longshore sharks, and says to "never take a tow from anyone" - this advice influences John's reluctance to call for help when Goblin drifts out to sea without her skipper. John is even reluctant to engage the Flushing pilot at the end of Goblin's North Sea crossing.
- 'Coots in the North' The Death and Glories are bored because the salvage business is in decline on the Broads. A possible ending for this incomplete story includes the salvage of Captain Flint's houseboat when its anchor chain breaks in a squall.