Section 38 Removal of wrecked vessels or property on shores or waters

Section 38. The department shall take charge of any wrecked vessel or other shipwrecked property, on any of the shores or waters of the commonwealth, except the Charles river basin, and not in the custody of the owner or his agent or of any other person lawfully authorized to take possession of it, if the value thereof is one hundred dollars or more, and may take charge of any such vessel or property if it is of less than said value. The department may make rules and regulations necessary for taking charge of such vessel, or property, for restoring it to its owners upon payment of the expense incurred by the commonwealth in the taking and care thereof, or for otherwise disposing of such property.