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<p>Statutory Harbour Authorities (some of which are Local Authorities) have powers
to deal with wrecks and unservicable and abandoned vessels within their harbour limits.</p><p>
</p><p>These powers are available under sections 52, 56 and 57 of the Harbours, Docks
and Piers Clauses Act 1847 (exercisable by the Harbour Master) and in section 252
of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The powers allow the removal of wrecks and unserviceable
and abandoned vessels and recovery of the cost of doing so from the owner or through
disposal of the vessel.</p><p> </p><p>Where there is no statutory harbour authority
or conservancy authority in place to use the powers in the Merchant Shipping Act 1995,
under s253 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 the General Lighthouse Authority may
use the same powers set out in section 252 to deal with such vessels where, in the
authority’s opinion the vessel is, or is likely to become, an obstruction or danger
to navigation or to lifeboats engaged in lifeboat service.</p><p> </p><p>The receiver
of wreck, who only deals with wrecked vessels and is a statutory appointment under
the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, has powers under section 243 of the Merchant Shipping
Act 1995 to dispose of unclaimed wrecks one year after they come into the receiver’s
possession. The Act sets out the dissemination of the proceeds of sale after disposal
expenses.</p><p> </p><p>Statutory Harbour Authorities operate on a commercial basis
without ongoing support from Government and the General Lighthouse Authority are fully
funded from a tax on shipping, receiving no money from the UK exchequer. There are
no plans for any other funding to be made available.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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