Container ship abandoned and on fire in mid-Atlantic

[Eversleigh]

Asterix said:

Perhaps O/T, but is there compensation for the ship/s that go to the aid of stricken vessels? Assuming they're commercial craft and detour from their predestined route to pick up survivors and then detour to the nearest land or location where helicopters can evac any injured.

Not particularly it is more of an agreement that other vessels will come and assist when others are in danger; of course the laws behind salvage are different (and extremely archaic) and highly lucrative when executed correctly.

[hidetheelephants]

Ships are required to render aid under SOLAS; in extremis you can go to gaol and lose your tickets if you are found to have let people die by your action or inaction. A recent example would be Mr. Schettino.