R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-6-12: Sale of object removed to pay cost of removal.

If the cost and expenses of removing a vessel or other obstruction as aforesaid are not paid or repaid by some owner or other person liable therefor within ten (10) days after the removal is completed, the director of the department of environmental management may sell the vessel or other obstruction, or the materials and appurtenances thereof, at public or private sale, and the net proceeds of the sale shall be paid into the derelict and abandoned vessel and obstruction removal account or treasury of the state and deducted from the amount to be repaid or recovered as provided in § 46-6-11.