In every case of wreck or obstruction of the channel by sunken vessels, the Supervisor of the line of navigation or of part of it may call upon the person incharge of the vessel to remove the same without delay and shall give every reasonable assistance towards so doing. But should the owner of the vessel or raft be not forthcoming or should he not use reasonable expedition in removing the obstruction, or should he decline or fail to use proper assistance which may be offered to him by the Supervisor, this officer may, under the provisions of Section 14 of the Act, undertake the removal of the obstruction himself at the cost of the owner of the boat recovering the expense in the manner laid down in Section 9 of the "Canals Act, 1864".If the sunken vessel obstructs the traffic or is likely to cause injury to the canal and immediate action is consequently necessary, the powers conferred by this rule on the Supervisor may be exercised by any navigation officer.
