What is the name of the peril that involves voluntarily throwing cargo overboard to save a ship?

The correct term for the act of voluntarily throwing cargo overboard to save a ship from danger is "jettison." This term originates from maritime law and is specifically used when a ship faces a peril, such as an impending storm or capsizing, and the crew decides to throw some of the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship and prevent more significant loss, such as sinking or destruction.

Jettisoning is considered a necessary action in emergency situations where saving the vessel and crew takes precedence over the loss of cargo. It is an important concept in marine insurance, as it can impact liability, claims, and the policyholder's responsibilities.

While "salvage" refers to the act of recovering a ship and its cargo after it has run aground or suffered an accident, "discharge" pertains to unloading cargo from a vessel, and "capsize" describes the situation when a ship overturns or tips over in the water. None of these terms convey the specific action of throwing cargo overboard for the ship's safety, which is why "jettison" is the most accurate and relevant term in this context.