Lessons from a life in salvage: John Witte

The funniest moment 

During the Katrina response, I had the opportunity to survey the various work sites with a US Navy captain. As the civilian, I was the designated driver. As we drove through the many security checkpoints, the guards would salute the captain. During one stop, the captain was involved in a call and the guard stood there, at full salute waiting for the captain to return the salute so we could be waved through. I reminded the captain about the need for him to salute the guard and with a wave of his hand, he said “you do it”. For the next five months, I was the official saluter for a navy captain… all the while being a lowly civilian. There are many more funny moments. While away from home and, normally, under some level of pressure, a little levity is a welcome respite from your daily activities.  

Who/what I learned most from 

While I have had the opportunity to work under and train with an amazing number of marine salvage professionals over the last 50 plus years, my father, J Arnold Witte, taught me the most about salvage, business and life, all of which made me who I am today. Thanks Dad.

My guilty pleasure 

Ice cream and spending as much time with my two dogs Koda (a 54-kg French Mastiff) and Milkman (a 27-kg English Bulldog). I am diabetic so ice cream is an infrequent but very much appreciated escape from my diet and my dogs seem to love me regardless of my mood. My goal is to retire to a Ben and Jerrys factory and live out my life with Koda and Milkman…. My wife of 33 years, Beth, is more than welcome.

My favourite salvage tug/asset 

Our 1,000-tonne capacity derrick barge Chesapeake 1000 and 2,220-kW support tug Atlantic Salvor. I have spent many a night in different situations over the last 50 years and these two units always finished the job and got me home. 

My favourite location

Home… I have travelled the world and have never found a place I would rather be more than the little house where I raised my children, cared for my pets and where I always have the love and support of my wife, Beth.  

One regret 

I really cannot think of one. I have been lucky, relatively healthy, successful and have had the most exciting job in the world. What is to regret?   

My advice for a young person in salvage 

Work hard and something positive will come to you. There are certainly easier jobs in the world. Some might be challenging, some may be more financially beneficial, but none can provide you with the ability to start a project and then see the completion, often, in spectacular fashion. You will travel the world, miss holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and pretty much every possible day of celebration we have each year but, in some ways, you will still feel good about it. To be a marine salvor also allows you entrance to a club that very few are welcomed and even more shun. My name is John Witte, Jr and I am a marine salvor.  

Key successful projects  

Donjon Marine and Mr Witte were involved in the removal of Barge 45, in Buffalo, New York; wreck removal of the ship Fedra in Gibraltar; provided salvage support during Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of America. It was involved in removing the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland when container ship Dali crashed into it in 2024; and responded to maritime casualties in New Jersey during Hurricane Sandy. 

“Again, there are so many. I have personally been involved in hundreds of salvage projects over the last 50 years. It is difficult to decide which ones to note,” says Mr Witte.