Section 5 in The Merchant Shipping (Wrecks and Salvage) Rules, 1974
5. Procedure for taking possession Of sunken or abandoned wreck.
(1)When a receiver receives intelligence that a wreck, being a vessel, is sunk or stranded near the coasts of India and is abandoned by its owner he shall, as soon as practicable, proceed to the place where such vessel lies, drop a lead line over such vessel and make a declaration that he has taken possession of the wreck m exercise of his powers under the Act.(2)Where a receiver receives intelligence that a wreck, not being a vessel is found near the coasts of India, he shall, as soon as practicable proceed to the place where such wreck is lying and take possession of the wreck physically. Where it is not practicable to take physical possession of the wreck he shall make a declaration ensure that he has taken possession of the wreck in exercise of his powers under the Act.
