The Department of Transportation (DOT) is warning people to not explore shipwrecks that fall under the authority of the United States.
The notice issued July 17 is a reminder that United States custody and control extends to any shipwreck of a vessel or cargo that was owned or under the charter of Maritime Administration (MARAD) at the time of its sinking.
“No disturbance or recovery from these shipwrecks or their cargoes may legally take place without the express permission of MARAD,” the agency stated.
This applies to all wrecks no matter when or where–whether in U.S., foreign, or international waters–they sank….