salvors

SALVORS, mar. law. When a ship and cargo, or any part thereof, are saved at 
sea by the exertions of any person from impending perils, or are recovered 
after an actual abandonment or loss, such persons are denominated salvors; 
they are entitled to a compensation for their services, which is called 
salvage. (q.v.) 
     2. As soon as they take possession of property for the purpose of 
preserving it, as if they find a ship derelict at sea, or if they recapture 
it, or if they go on board a ship in distress, and take possession with the 
assent of the master or other person in possession, they are deemed bona 
fide possessors, and their possession cannot be lawfully displaced. 1 
Dodson's Rep. 414. They have a lien on the property for their salvage, which 
the, laws of all maritime countries will respect and enforce. Salvors are 
responsible not only for good faith, but for reasonable diligence in their 
custody of the salvage property. Story, Bail. Sec. 623.