§200-47.5  Vessel aground on state
property.  (a)  All vessels grounded on state submerged lands, shorelines,
or coral reefs shall be removed immediately by the owner or operator at the
owner's or operator's expense.  Vessels grounded on a sand beach, sandbar, or
mudflat and not in imminent danger of breaking up shall be removed within
seventy-two hours, unless otherwise agreed to by the department.  Damage to
state or private property caused by a grounded vessel shall be the sole
responsibility of the vessel's owner or operator.



(b)  Solely for the purposes of removal and
with no liability to the department, the department may assume control of any
vessel that:



(1)  Is grounded on a coral reef or in imminent danger
of breaking up; and



(2)  Cannot be immediately removed by the owner within
seventy-two hours in a manner that is reasonably safe, as determined by the
department.



Once the department assumes control over the vessel,
the vessel shall be removed by conventional salvage methods to minimize damage
to the natural resources and not become a hazard to navigation.  All costs and
expenses of removing the vessel and damage to state or private property shall
be the sole responsibility of the vessel's owner or operator.  This section
shall apply whether the vessel is attended or deemed derelict under section
200-48. 



(c)  The department may take legal action to
collect any costs or expenses incurred by the department for any removal under
this section.  All moneys collected shall be deposited in the boating special
fund.



(d)  Any person who renders assistance to the
department when it acts pursuant to subsection (b) and any person who, in good
faith and without remuneration or expectation of remuneration, renders
assistance at the scene of a vessel grounded on a coral reef or in imminent
danger of breaking up shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from
the person's acts or omissions in providing or arranging towage or other
assistance, except for damages caused by the person's gross negligence or
wanton acts or omissions. [L 2006, c 134, §1; am L 2008, c 96, §1]