Narrow portions of the rivers, known as chutes, where the water was very swift were also dangerous propositions. Recovery of these boats completely intact was rarely if ever attempted but salvaging engines, portions of the superstructures, valuables and recovery of bodies of victims was accomplished shortly after the vessels sank. At times professional salvagers were hired by the owner but more often impromptu crews were gathered together to accomplish the task. The crews may have been comprised of some of the deckhands off the boat and someone who had done salvage work before. In contemporary times archaeologists and treasure hunters have attempted to salvage remains of these 19th century river steamers.
Archaeologists seek the vessels as unique time capsules of that period in history.
As yet professionals in Alabama have not accomplished a thorough excavation of a sunken steamboat. However, a major salvage of a steamboat has been made in Alabama by treasure hunters. The Formative Period in Alabama. University of Alabama Press. Selma Times Journal, Selma, September 20, 1959.