Salvage and Wreck Law

Salvage and wreck law pertains to the rights and responsibilities associated with recovering property lost at sea or in navigable waters. If someone helps retrieve a shipwreck or its cargo, they may be entitled to a reward, typically based on the value of the salvaged items. This law encourages rescuing assets without necessarily owning the wrecked property. Conversely, wreck law deals with the legal aspects of abandoned vessels, focusing on who has rights over the wreckage and how to dispose of it properly. Overall, these laws balance the interests of salvagers, property owners, and maritime safety.