To comment on various points raised;

Sugarfoot Jack: Rough-cut timber (which this was) is relatively cheap (by the tonne). Chipped in advance of pulping, it retains much of its value and is easier/cheaper to remove from the beach. This is the legitimate salvage/clearance operation by the owners and insurers in conjunction with the MCA.

Richard: Cargo can be jettisoned by a Master in order to preseve the remainder of the adventure. The jettisoned cargo still belongs to its owner and has not, necessarily, been abandoned by that owner.

Barry: You frighten me. Glad we don't let live in your world. But then again let me know when you're out of the house and I'll come over and possess all your stuff ;-p

Kampervan: That's the point of insurance; everyone pays a little (premium) so that no one person loses their shirt when things go wrong for them. Have you or your family ever made a claim for anything, been to hospital or the doctor, taken an NHS prescription? Should we be "paying for you?"