The House : Shipwrecks
By a vote of 340 to 64, the House passed and sent to the White House a bill (S 858) to protect valuable shipwrecks from encroachment by sport divers, commercial salvagers and archeologists. The bill assigns states title to historic shipwrecks submerged within three miles of shore or embedded in coral reefs, giving them power to control access and determine allocation of any discovered treasure. Federal courts could no longer assert jurisdiction under admiralty law.
Between 5% and 10% of the estimated 50,000 abandoned shipwrecks off U. S. shores are thought to be of significant historic or commercial value.
Supporter Walter Jones (D-N. C.) said “only states can balance the legitimate interests of all groups interested in shipwrecks. . . .”
Opponent Jack Fields (R-Tex.) said “the real goal of this legislation is to severely restrict, if not prohibit, access to these vessels.”
Members voting yes wanted states rather than admiralty law to determine access to certain historic shipwrecks.
How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Bates (D) x Rep. Hunter (R) x Rep. Lowery (R) x Rep. Packard (R) x
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