New York Consolidated Laws, Navigation Law - NAV § 132. Delivery of wreck or proceeds to claimant

If, within a year after such wrecked property shall have been found and saved, any person shall claim the same or the proceeds thereof, as owner or consignee, or the agent of the owner or consignee, and shall establish his claim by evidence, such court shall make an order directing the officer, in whose possession the property or its proceeds shall be, to deliver or pay the same to the claimant, upon the payment by him of a reasonable salvage, and all necessary expenses incurred in the preservation and keeping of the property.