EP 1130-2-520
29 Nov 96
APPENDIX M
SAMPLE LETTER: OWNER DUTY TO MARK/REMOVE
Dear sir:
This office has received a report of an obstruction to navigation in ___[waterway]___ and my
preliminary investigation indicates that you are the (owner/operator/lessee) of the vessel.
The Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard have jointly determined that this obstruction
presents a hazard to navigation requiring removal. Under federal law (Title 33, U.S. Code
Section 409). the owner, operator or lessee is responsible for marking and immediate removal of
the wreck. You should contact the Coast Guard directly for marking requirements, and contact
my office within 7 days concerning your intentions and plans to effect removal.
Failure to commence immediate removal of the vessel and to pursue removal diligently may result
in a court judgment against you, or a determination of abandonment, subjecting the vessel to
removal and disposal by the Corps of Engineers at your expense.
Additionally, you may be liable for criminal charges and/or actions against any Coast Guard
licenses you may carry, as a result of the sinking of this vessel.
It is imperative that you contact my office immediately on this matter.
/s/
M-1
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