A modular salvage system includes first and second inflatable lifting cushions, a connecting collar on an upper side and underside and between each successive lifting cushion for enclosing the inflatable lifting cushion. The connecting collar is provided on a peripheral side with attachment points pivotally connectable to first and second radial shackles. The first radial shackle is pivotally connectable to the connecting collar and the other connecting collar includes a coupling segment that is pivotally connectable to a second radial shackle of an uppermost connecting collar. Each coupling segment is connectable in an axial direction to a subsequent uppermost coupling segment by an axial shackle. The axial shackle includes first and second bending-resistant segments between which a flexible segment extends. The tensile strengths of the bending-resistant segments and the flexible segment are substantially equal. Additionally, a related lifting module, container, and method for assembling are provided.