Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988

Removal of wrecks etc.

12 (1) The Authority may raise, remove or destroy any vessel which has been sunk, stranded or abandoned—

(a) in any waterway within the navigation area; or

(b) at any place, other than in the Haven, where it will, in the opinion of the Authority, affect navigation within the navigation area or the Haven.

(2) The Authority may store or dispose of any vessel which it has raised or removed in the exercise of its powers under sub-paragraph (1) above.

(3) Before—

(a) exercising any of its powers under sub-paragraph (1) above; or

(b) exercising its power under sub-paragraph (2) above to dispose of a vessel;

the Authority shall give the owner of the vessel in question reasonable notice of its intention to do so.

(4) Sub-paragraph (3) above shall not apply where the Authority—

(a) exercises any of its powers under sub-paragraph (1) above as a matter of urgency; or

(b) has used its best endeavours to notify the owner of the vessel concerned but has been unable to do so.

(5) The Authority may—

(a) deduct from the proceeds of sale of any vessel sold by it under sub-paragraph (2) above;

(b) recover from the owner of any vessel in respect of which it has exercised its powers under this paragraph, or from his executors or administrators;

all reasonable expenses incurred by it in the exercise of any of those powers, to the extent that they have not otherwise been recovered by the Authority.

(6) Where the owner of a vessel in relation to which sub-paragraph (3) above applies is not known to the Authority, the Authority shall be taken to have satisfied the requirements of sub-paragraph (4)(b) above if it has exhibited notice of its intention at its principal offices for a period of at least seven days.