[Paddlewise] salvage and wrecks

Gordin said:

<<<I'm doing some research on wrecks and salvage rights.  If anyone has
any stories about finding ships/boats, wrecked on reefs, abandoned or
similar circumstances; I'd love to hear them.  Feel free to contact me
back channel if you wish.  Different countries have different laws
regarding salvage rights but don't let that deter you.  If you've a good
tale to tell I want to hear it.
>>>

The main thing to remember if you come upon a wreck is to notify the
Coast Guard to see if it is an ongoing case, or even a recent case or
case in progress. In that respect, if sign are fresh, life and limb
issues are the priority. If you do happen upon a wreck, as I've done in
the past, bear in mind that salvage rights are difficult to execute for
the paddler. Towing a vessel out of further harms way, for example,
isn't exactly an option -- usually. I believe the Canada Shipping Act
maintains some fairly strict protocols with respect to the authority of
the Receiver of Wreck. Usually you only get reasonable recovery costs.
The owner and/or insurance company still "own" the vessel. They have a
year to claim on larger losses. With smaller finds, you may be given the
vessel (or downed plane pieces, etc.) as payment lieu, for your recovery
efforts/costs.

I'm glad you are doing some research. Let us know what you find out if
there is anything significant. I cover one of my salvage escapades which
is taken from some PW posts, and kept on the PW Stories part of our
subscriber's web site; I believe it is in the first part of "My Own Deep
Trouble". In a nutshell, I attempted to recover some expensive
electronic equipment from a yacht that went ashore in winter off the
West Coast Trail. Those were days when it was roll or die, when I had
muscles on my muscles, and a over exhuberance for adventure. My story,
as written up, only gives a brief outline of the difficulties I had out
there attempting to get to the vessel and my return a few days latter.
Since that incident, I have learned that what I was attempting to do
would be classed as "plunder" according to marine law. Didn't know I was
a pirate wannabe, eh? My wife says I'd have to be a heck of a lot taller
with a darker complexion. Ah, so know I know here fantasy.

I've also come across other vessels over the years, fishing boats,
smashed small row boats, torn inflatables, etc. I usually inspect,
observe, report. You know, all that non-pirate behavior. Though I have
been known to drink Rum on long trips. I've also seen pieces of vessels
wedged high along west coast crevices, and fantasized about the waves
that must have tossed these vessels like a match stick.

Doug



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