Part IX Salvage and Wreck
Chapter II Wreck
Dealing with wreck
237 Provisions as respects cargo, etc.
1
Where a vessel is wrecked, stranded, or in distress at any place on or near the coasts of the United Kingdom or any tidal water within United Kingdom waters, any cargo or other articles belonging to or separated from the vessel which are washed on shore or otherwise lost or taken from the vessel shall be delivered to the receiver.
2
If any person (whether the owner or not)—
a
conceals or keeps possession of any such cargo or article, or
b
refuses to deliver any such cargo or article to the receiver or to any person authorised by the receiver to require delivery,
he shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
3
The receiver or any person authorised by him may take any such cargo or article (if necessary by force) from any person who refuses to deliver it.