The Abandonment of Shipwrecks Act

The Abandonment of Shipwrecks Act is a law that addresses the ownership and management of shipwrecks. It allows government authorities to take control of abandoned ships that are left in waters or on shore. This is important to ensure safety, protect the environment, and facilitate salvage operations. The Act often requires the former owners or parties responsible for the shipwreck to officially relinquish their claims, enabling authorities to manage the wreck in a way that benefits the public, such as through preservation, removal, or other actions to mitigate hazards.