Ligan meaning

In maritime and wreck law, ligan (also lagan) describes cargo or other goods deliberately cast overboard and sunk, fastened to a buoy, line or other marker so they can be recovered later. Unlike jetsam (goods intentionally jettisoned to lighten a vessel) or flotsam (goods floating after a casualty), ligan is distinguished by the attachment of a marker for recovery and is not treated as abandoned; the original owner normally retains title, subject to salvors’ rights and charges. In the UK, ligan forms part of “wreck” within the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, engaging the statutory regime for reporting, possession and disposal. Anyone finding or taking possession of ligan must notify the Receiver of Wreck and will generally be entitled only to a salvage reward, not ownership. Usage and legal consequences are recognised consistently across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Irish maritime law and practice use the term in the same sense in wreck and salvage contexts, with reporting and custody handled by the competent authorities. The classification affects ownership, salvage claims, general average issues, and potential criminal or civil liability for non‑compliance with wreck reporting obligations.