Power in respect to wrecks, etc

(1) The Ports Commissioner or a port manager may, (a) remove any wreck in or other obstruction to a port or its approaches, or any timber, raft or 46 other thing floating in a port, which endangers, or obstructs or is likely to endanger or obstruct the free navigation of the port or the use of any dock or wharf therein; (b) in the case of urgent necessity, take any action in a port which in his opinion may be necessary, to prevent any danger of life or limb; (c) enter upon any ship or into any building in a port if it is necessary for him to do so in the performance of any duty under this Act or any regulations or if he has reasonable grounds for believing that an offence against this Act or any regulations has been, or is about to be, committed. (2) The owner of any wreck or other thing removed by the Ports Commissioner or a port manager under the provisions of subsection (1) (a) of this section shall, without prejudice to any other action which may be taken against him, be liable to pay the reasonable expenses of such removal. Such wreck or other thing shall be detained by the Ports Commissioner or a port manager until such expenses and customs duties, dues or charges payable in respect thereof are paid. (3) Where any wreck or thing is removed under subsection (1) (a) of this section and the expenses of removal have not been paid within seven days of such removal, the Ports Commissioner or a port manager may cause such wreck or thing to be sold by public auction and shall, out of the proceeds of the sale, retain the amount necessary to meet the expenses of such removal, detention and sale and any customs duty, dues 47 or charges payable in respect thereof and shall retain the balance, if any, to the person appearing to him to be entitled. ships.