N.Y. Nav. Law § 132

§ 132. Delivery of wreck or proceeds to claimant. If, within a year\nafter such wrecked property shall have been found and saved, any person\nshall claim the same or the proceeds thereof, as owner or consignee, or\nthe agent of the owner or consignee, and shall establish his claim by\nevidence, such court shall make an order directing the officer, in whose\npossession the property or its proceeds shall be, to deliver or pay the\nsame to the claimant, upon the payment by him of a reasonable salvage,\nand all necessary expenses incurred in the preservation and keeping of\nthe property.\n