Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 33 : Section 409


   
U.S. Code as of: 01/19/04
Section 409. Obstruction of navigable waters by vessels; floating timber; marking and removal of sunken vessels

      It shall not be lawful to tie up or anchor vessels or other craft
    in navigable channels in such a manner as to prevent or obstruct
    the passage of other vessels or craft; or to sink, or permit or
    cause to be sunk, vessels or other craft in navigable channels; or
    to float loose timber and logs, or to float what is known as "sack
    rafts of timber and logs" in streams or channels actually navigated
    by steamboats in such manner as to obstruct, impede, or endanger
    navigation. And whenever a vessel, raft or other craft is wrecked
    and sunk in a navigable channel, it shall be the duty of the owner,
    lessee, or operator of such sunken craft to immediately mark it
    with a buoy or beacon during the day and a lighted lantern at
    night, and to maintain such marks until the sunken craft is removed
    or abandoned, and the neglect or failure of the said owner, lessee,
    or operator so to do shall be unlawful; and it shall be the duty of
    the owner, lessee, or operator of such sunken craft to commence the
    immediate removal of the same, and prosecute such removal
    diligently, and failure to do so shall be considered as an
    abandonment of such craft, and subject the same to removal by the
    United States as provided for in sections 411 to 416, 418, and 502
    of this title.



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