46 U.S.C. § 10706

Seamen dying in the United States

When a seaman dies in the United States and is entitled at death to claim money, property, or wages from the master or owner of a vessel on which the seaman served, the master or owner shall deliver the money, property, and wages to a district court of the United States within one week of the seaman’s death. If the seaman’s death occurs at sea, such money, property, or wages shall be delivered to a district court or a consular officer within one week of the vessel’s arrival at the first port call after the seaman’s death.

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 573 ; Pub. L. 103–206, title IV, § 419 , Dec. 20, 1993 , 107 Stat. 2438 .)