Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 97.djvu/606

 97 STAT. 574 PUBLIC LAW 98-89 —AUG. 26, 1983 § 10708. Sale of property A district court of the United States may direct the sale of any part of the property of a deceased seaman. Proceeds of the sale shall be held as wages of the seaman are held. § 10709. Distribution (a)(1) If the money, property, and wages of a seaman, including proceeds from the sale of property, are not more then $1,500 in value, and subject to deductions it allows for expenses and at least 60 days after receiving the money, property, and wages, the court may deliver the money, property, and wages to a claimemt proving tobe— (A) the seaman's surviving spouse or child; (B) entitled to the money, property, and wages under the seaman's wUl or under a law or at common law; or (C) entitled to secure probate, or take out letters of adminis- tration, although no probate or letters of administration have been issued. (2) The court is released from further liability for the money, property, and wages distributed under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (3) Instead of acting under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsec- tion, the court may require probate or letters of administration to be taken out, and then deliver the money, property, and wages to the legal representative of the seaman. (b) If the money, property, and wages are more than $1,500 in value, the court, subject to deductions for expenses, shall deliver the money, property, and wages to the legal representative of the seaman. § 10710. Unclaimed money, property, and wages (a) When a claim for the money, property, or wages of a deceased seaman held by a district court of the United States has not been substantiated within 6 years after their receipt by the court, the court, if a subsequent claim is made, may allow or refuse the claim. (b) If, after money, property, and wages have been held by the court for 6 years, it appears to the court that no claim will have to be satisfied, the property shall be sold. The money and wages and the proceeds from the sale shall be deposited in the Treasury trust fund receipt account "Unclaimed Moneys of Individuals Whose Whereabouts are Unknown". § 10711. Penalties An owner or master violating this chapter are each liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of 3 times the value of the seaman's money, property, and wages involved or, if the value is not determined, of $200. CHAPTER 109—PROCEEDINGS ON UNSEAWORTHINESS Sec 10901. Application. 10902. Clomplaints of unfitness. 10903. Proceedings on examination of vessel. 10904. Refusal to proceed. 10905. Complaints in foreign ports.

�