Salvage from shipwreck

[ColinEssex]

There is a stricken container ship on the Devon coast (south of the UK) some containers have been washed up on shore and people have been there scavenging for anything of value including, perfume, shoes, wine casks, BMW motorbikes, car parts etc etc

Stealing or not? should stuff washed up be free booty?

The law states that it is not an offence to take the stuff but you have to declare what you take in case the "owners" want it back rather than claim on their insurance. Already some of the stuff is on Ebay.

Col

 

[BarryMK]

Heads up!

This is the first ever picture of Col and Rich pulling together on something not connected with the USA.

 

[ColinEssex]

Sshhhhhh

we're supposed to be incognito for christs sake

Col

 

[Ron_dK]

This is the first ever picture of Col and Rich pulling together on something not connected with the USA.

Great, but pulling together from Germany ??? auch

 

[Rich]

Great, but pulling together from Germany ??? auch

You shouldn't believe whats written in the Euro press Ron, I've had a German car for yonks. Anyway if it had been a Hardly it would have fallen to bit's when they opened the box

 

[ColinEssex]

It said on the BBC yesterday that 50 BMW bikes had been removed from the containers.

Rich, had the bikes been from the USA, with such minimal sales they could transport a years worth in the back of a transit, no need for bloody great containers full of them.

Col

 

[Rich]

I don't know why the Yanks don't let the Chinese build them, cheaper and actually reliable

 

[Ron_dK]

You shouldn't believe whats written in the Euro press Ron, I've had a German car for yonks.

Lemme guess : volkswagen ?

....they could transport a years worth in the back of a transit, no need for bloody great containers full of them

This is what they used back in 2005 while getting stuff wrecked somewhere on the north NL coast.

 

[ColinEssex]

This is what they used back in 2005 while getting stuff wrecked somewhere on the north NL coast.

Hmmm, the latest from Cadillac

 

[RichardP1978]

Hmmm, the latest from Cadillac

LOL

Just watch out for the packets of cigars that might have broken open, they might not seem what they are. Nothing quite like a beach cigar!

 

[Rich]

Hmmm, the latest from Cadillac

With a Hardly engine on the back

 

[ColinEssex]

I like the little bar across the front stopping you from using the seat. Neat design

Col

 

[Rich]

I like the little bar across the front stopping you from using the seat. Neat design

Col

Well if the seat's as comfortable as a Hardly nobody would want to sit in it anyway

 

[ColinEssex]

I think we're a little off-topic here.

The question was should the stuff be free booty? is it stealing?

Col

 

[KalelGmoon]

I think we're a little off-topic here.

The question was should the stuff be free booty? is it stealing?

Col

I think something about the maritime salvage laws would be in effect. and since I live in the middle of north america I have no idea what those are. Anyone know?

 

[Ron_dK]

is it stealing?

Col

Until they changed the dutch law back in 1950's , it wasn't. Now it is.

 

[ColinEssex]

I think something about the maritime salvage laws would be in effect. and since I live in the middle of north america I have no idea what those are. Anyone know?

The sea is the wet stuff round most coasts, the beach is the sandy or pebbly bit just before the sea

The salvage of goods law UK (1995) says that goods washed up on the beaches are not open for salvage by people generally. The removal of the goods is not however an offence, but you have to fill in a form supplied by the receiver of wrecks to state what you took, when and where you took it to. These forms were being handed out by police on the beach to the beachcombers.

The goods are the property of the owners, but if the ship is officially salvaged they become the property of the salvager. (usually a Norwegian company)

Goods taken by the public may not be sold until notification has been received from the receiver of wrecks that it is ok to keep them.

The question still is - should it be "finders keepers"? - is the law stupid? the owners will claim anyway on insurance.
For centuries its always been free booty on the coastline. I was in Brighton 2 weeks ago and loads of timber was washed up on a 4 mile stretch of beach. The council piled it all up hoping people would help themselves to it.

Col

 

[Brianwarnock]

Since its not Crosby beach and therefore too far away for me to benefit it is obviously stealing.

Brian

 

[The_Doc_Man]

I think USA and European salvage laws differ here. It is only salvagable while still in the water. If it is washed ashore at high tide and claimed at low tide, a lawyer is waiting in the wings to "make his career" off of the case.

Now THERE is a case of stealing for you - the lawyers will get 30% from everyone and NOBODY will be happy - except the lawyer.

 

[Fifty2One]

the "salvage" law is prolly bs anyhow as far as someone wanting their stuff rather than the insurance settlement... a neighbour of ours had his car broken into and his collection of 50 cds were stolen along with the very expensive stereo... which is rather odd because last time i was in the car the weekend before the theft he had the factory cheapie radio...