[seadogg]

the scenario you described is a perfect one. Take a closer look at the scenario you've described, and judge for yourself. your boat will more than likely be destroyed or badly damaged if left unassisted. if the situation were under control, you'd have no reason to panic, right? Since the situation is not under control, you would clearly be in a perilous situation, potentially damaging your vessel or causing other vessels damage (think of the tankers, tugs and barges that cannot deviate from their course and frequently traverse the canal). in other words, you're now in danger, but you're a potential danger to others. This is indeed grounds for a salvage, and if you request our services, the subsequent bill depends upon the amount and extent of use of equipment, crew, and yes, the value of your vessel. if i can prevent your 50,000-dollar vessel from being destroyed, don't you think i deserve payment for my efforts?? now as you sit there and assure yourself that we demand these outrageous payments, think of the insurance company, who is in business to deal with such incidents. would you believe that they would pay us a made-up sum we didn't deserve?