...There were also reports from families who had lost personal possessions being transported by the Napoli, and family photographs and furnishings were among the items strewn on the beach....
Anita Bokdal, a Swedish woman sending goods to Cape Town, said she had been horrified to see photographs of her possessions being collected by beachcombers. "I can't believe they would do this," she told the Telegraph. "Those were our personal belongings."...
The law
Legally, whether it be a £12,000 BMW motorbike or an armful cache of nappies, none of the booty washed ashore from the Napoli is fair game for beachcombers. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's receiver of wreck, Sophia Exelby - it is her job to settle disputes over wrecks - has warned that anyone who takes goods from the beach without informing the authorities is in effect stealing and could face a fine of up to £2,500 for each item. Those who do report a recovery may be entitled to a reward if they complete the appropriate forms, which police officers and coastguard officials have been handing out to anyone scouring the shore for goods. The forms have to be sent to Ms Exelby's office within 28 days.
Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, legitimate salvors can end up legally owning what they find. But usually this only happens after a period of 12 months has elapsed and the owners have not come forward to claim their wrecked items.
