Abstract: A transom link for a tugboat is used to rescue an escorted ship that has lost the ability to maneuver. A transom link is a high-strength, oblong member, having a pivot arm that pivots open to allow a closed eye of a line to be captured by the transom link. The tugboat maneuvers close to the escorted ship so that a member of the tugboat's crew can seize a pennant line attached to the ship. The transom link is attached to the tugboat's tow line and the ship's pennant line is brought to the transom link. The tugboat's crew member forces open the pivot arm of the transom link and captures the closed eye of the ship's pennant line in the transom link. The tow line of the tugboat is let out to distance the tugboat from the escorted ship and then the tugboat maneuvers as needed to complete the rescue of the escorted ship.