Notice of United States Shipwreck Custody and Control; Protecting Sunken Vessels and Cargo

Issuing agencies

Abstract

This notice serves to inform the public that United States custody and control extends to any shipwreck of a vessel that at the time of its sinking was owned or under charter of MARAD or one of its predecessor agencies. United States custody and control also extends by right of subrogation to shipwreck cargoes, as the loss of which was covered and paid for by insurance programs administered by MARAD or by one of its predecessor agencies. MARAD's predecessor agencies include the United States Shipping Board, the Emergency Fleet Corporation, the Merchant Fleet Corporation, the Shipping Board of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the War Shipping Administration, and the United States Maritime Commission. MARAD is authorized to protect the property interests of the United States government and to protect the war graves associated with all such shipwrecks. Pursuant to its authority, on behalf of the United States, MARAD does not consent to the salvage of such shipwrecks and or their cargoes. Those engaging in unauthorized activities involving shipwrecks and cargoes in MARAD's custody or control whether located in the waters of the United States, a foreign nation, or in international waters are advised that no disturbance or recovery from these shipwrecks or their cargoes may legally take place without the express permission of MARAD.