What is the law regarding objects being thrown overboard from a ship?

• If objects are thrown overboard because a vessel needs to be lighter in weight such as during a storm at sea these objects remain the property of their owner.
• In this situation it is clearly evident that the objects have not been discarded because the owner no longer wants them but rather because the vessel will better cope with the perils of the sea.
• A person who takes the object with intent to benefit after it has been washed up ashore commits theft.
• If you have any further questions about this our Phone a Lawyer service may be able to put you in touch with a lawyer for a preliminary consultation.