What Is The Indian Law On Sunken Or Abandoned Ships?

Indian law addresses the issue of sunken or abandoned ships primarily to ensure maritime safety, protect the marine environment, and regulate ownership or salvage rights. Sunken or abandoned vessels can pose navigational hazards, environmental threats, and legal disputes over ownership or salvage claims. The Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, along with related regulations and international conventions, lays down the legal framework for handling such ships in Indian waters.

Key Provisions of Indian Law on Sunken or Abandoned Ships:

Definition and Identification:

• Sunken ships are those fully or partially submerged on the seabed.
• Abandoned ships are vessels left unattended or deserted by their owners or crew, posing hazards.

Merchant Shipping Act, 1958:

• Provides the central legal framework for shipwrecks, wreck removal, and salvage operations.
• The Act empowers the Director General of Shipping and the Indian Coast Guard to oversee removal or marking of wrecks.

Obligations of Shipowners:

• Shipowners must notify authorities of accidents resulting in sinking or abandonment.
• They are responsible for removal or safe marking of wrecks to prevent hazards to navigation.

Wreck Removal and Safety:

• The authorities can order the removal or marking of wrecks that endanger navigation or fishing.
• Failure to comply can lead to penalties or government intervention at the owner’s expense.

Salvage Rights and Claims:

• Salvors who recover abandoned or sunken ships or cargo may claim salvage rewards under Indian law and international principles.
• Ownership may transfer in cases where the original owner abandons the wreck.

Environmental Protection:

• Sunken ships containing hazardous materials, oil, or pollutants are regulated under environmental laws to prevent marine pollution.
• The Indian Coast Guard and Pollution Control Boards monitor and take action to mitigate environmental risks.

International Conventions:

• India is a party to conventions like the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (2007), which complements national laws by setting standards for wreck removal and liability.

Penalties and Enforcement:

• Non-compliance with reporting, removal, or pollution prevention provisions can attract fines and prosecution.
• The Indian Coast Guard, maritime police, and Directorate General of Shipping enforce these laws.

Example:

In 2018, after a cargo ship sank near the Mumbai coast, the Indian Coast Guard coordinated salvage operations under the Merchant Shipping Act and environmental guidelines to remove the wreck and prevent oil leakage, highlighting the legal and operational framework in action.