Following the recovery of large quantities of hardwood from the Dale Peninsula from the weekend of the 3rd December 2000, it may be relevant to clarify the details regarding the reporting of wreck.

Anyone who has recovered this wood (or any other items of wreck), no matter how small the quantity, must now report it to the Receiver of Wreck. To do this, you will need a Report of Wreck and Salvage form. This can be obtained from the Receiver of Wreck, or from your local coastguard station (address below). Failure to report is an offence under section 236 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

The Receiver of Wreck is responsible for that part of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, which deals with wreck and salvage. All wreck recovered from the sea must by law, be reported to the Receiver of Wreck.

The recovered material is held by the finder on indemnity to the Receiver of Wreck. The finder cannot dispose of this material until the Receiver has given permission to do so.

It is the Receiver of Wreck's responsibility to reunite owners with their property. If the legal owner wishes to have their property returned, then the finder will be entitled to a salvage award. If the
owner is not found, or waives their legal right to the material, the finder will normally be allowed to keep the recovered material.

For further information or a Report form, please contact: