When you encounter a boat or ship found adrift, the first thought that comes to mind is – Is it mine now? It is only human nature to feel elated at the prospect of acquiring something valuable for free. However, the harsh truth is that the legal status of a boat or ship found adrift can be quite complex.
Firstly, it is important to define what we mean by a boat or ship found adrift. It refers to an abandoned vessel that has been deserted or lost, and is now being carried away by the water currents. Such vessels can be a source of danger to navigation, and as such, the law has laid down specific rules on how to deal with them.
According to the law of the sea, a boat or a ship found adrift does not automatically belong to the finder. Instead, the state where the vessel was found has the right to take possession of it, as well as to determine what should be done with it. This is because the abandoned vessel, even though it may be drifting freely, is still subject to the jurisdiction of its flag state or its last port of call.
In fact, there are specific legal procedures that need to be followed when dealing with a boat or a ship found adrift. The first step is for the finder to report the discovery to the local authorities, who will then take custody of the vessel. Next, the authorities will investigate the vessel’s ownership, and if it is deemed to be abandoned or lost, they will take measures to secure it and prevent it from causing any harm to other boats or to the environment.
After the investigation, the vessel may be declared as derelict or abandoned, and the ownership may be transferred to the state. Alternatively, if the owner is found, they may be required to pay for the costs of any necessary cleanup or repair work. In some cases, the owner may also be held responsible for any damage caused by the vessel while it was adrift.
A boat or ship found adrift does not automatically belong to the finder. Instead, the state where the vessel was found has the right to take possession of it and dispose of it. It is important to remember that while the prospect of acquiring something valuable for free may be tempting, failing to follow the correct legal procedures when encountering a drifting vessel could result in serious legal consequences. Therefore, it is always advisable to report the discovery to the authorities and let them handle the situation.