N.Y. Navigation Law § 136: Detention of wreck

§ 136. Detention of wreck. All sheriffs, and all persons employed by

them, and all other persons aiding and assisting in the recovery and

preservation of wrecked property, shall be entitled to a reasonable

allowance as salvage for their services, and to all expenses incurred by

them in the performance of such services, out of the property saved, and

the officer having the custody of such property shall detain the same

until such salvage and expenses shall be paid and the salvage claimed in

any case shall not exceed one-half of the value of the property or

proceeds, and every agreement, order or adjustment allowing a greater

salvage shall be void.