The property insured may be totally lost, in fact. This happens only when a ship is never heard from, or is wholly destroyed by fire, or submerged beneath the water. Even in these cases, it is not uncommon for parts which may have an actual value, to be cast on shore or found floating. Such a case, however, would be called a case of actual total loss, with salvage. (v)

If a vessel be abandoned by her officers and crew on the ocean, without sufficient cause, which, in such case the assured must prove, it might be a total loss to him, but the insurers would not be responsible for it. But if a vessel was so wrecked or injured that it could not have been brought into port, the insurers are liable as for a total loss, although she continued to float, and the master and crew abandoned her without any immediate danger or necessity. (w)