R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-6-13: Insurer of lost vessel not liable for cost of removal.

No insurer of a vessel, who has paid the loss thereon, shall, by reason of the insurance, be held liable to remove the vessel, or to pay the cost and expenses of the removal, under the provisions of this chapter, unless the insurer has exercised some act of ownership or control over the vessel or some part or appurtenance thereof, or received the proceeds of the sale thereof.