Illegal Marine Salvage
Many people have romantic ideas about treasure hunting and marine salvage. However, the United States government has many laws regarding salvage and the finding of treasure. If someone breaks these laws, an informer can take the perpetrator to court in a type of case called Qui Tam law.
Qui Tam law allows a citizen to bring someone to court on behalf of the U.S. government. In most cases, the informer will be entitled to part of the damages awarded to the prosecutor, with the other part going to the government. If you are aware of illegal marine salvage, you should not hesitate to act. Contact an experienced Qui Tam attorney from Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, today at 202-973-0900 to learn more.
Salvage vs. Law of “Finds”
Under maritime law, there is both salvage and the law of “finds.” Salvage is helping a boat and its passengers if it is in peril. Additionally, several other requirements must be met, such as the agreement to help must be voluntary. For salvage with previous contract, the salvor must bring the claim for salvage to the court. The court will decide the proper amount of salvage.
On the other hand, the law of finds is more like the idea of finders keepers, losers weepers. Basically, if an item has been abandoned with the owner no longer attempting to salvage it, someone else can salvage it and assume ownership.
Forfeiture of Salvage
The U.S. law states that any property taken from a wreck in U.S. waters cannot go to foreign ports. For example, if you find a ship in the waters of the keys, you cannot take it to a foreign port. If you do, you will be forced to forfeit your ship, its furnishings, etc. The person who takes this crime to court will split the value of the forfeited property with the U.S. government. This is Qui Tam law.
Contact Us
If you have seen someone engaged in an illegal act that defrauds the government, such as sneaking salvaged or recovered items from U.S. waters to foreign ports, you should step in with a qualified Qui Tam lawyer. To discuss your legal options, contact a knowledgeable Qui Tam attorney from Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, at 202-973-0900 today.
