Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993

Search and seizure, etc., in respect of vessels in distress.

10.—(1) Where with reasonable cause a member of the Garda Síochána suspects that a person has, in respect of any vessel in distress, plundered any part or any cargo or apparel thereof, the member may without warrant—

(a) search or cause to be searched by such a member the person and, if the member considers it necessary for that purpose, detain the person for such time as is reasonably necessary to carry out the search,

(b) search or cause to be searched by such a member any vehicle in which the member suspects that anything so plundered may be found and for the purpose of carrying out the search, if so thought fit, require the person who is, for the time being, in control of the vehicle to bring it to a stop and when stopped to refrain from moving it or, in case the vehicle is already stationary, to refrain from moving it, or

(c) seize and detain anything found in the course of a search under this section which the member reasonably suspects to be something which—

(i) may be required as evidence in proceedings for an offence under the Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894 to 1993, or any other enactment, or

(ii) should be in the possession of the receiver of wreck for retention or disposal in accordance with the provisions of Part IV .

(2) Where a member of the Garda Síochána decides to search or cause to be searched a person under this section the member may require the person to accompany that member to a Garda Síochána station for the purpose of being so searched at the station.

(3) A person who fails to comply with a requirement under this section shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) Nothing in this section shall operate to prejudice any power of search or to seize or detain property which may be exercised by a member of the Garda Síochána apart from this section.