N.Y. Nav. Law § 136

§ 136. Detention of wreck. All sheriffs, and all persons employed by\nthem, and all other persons aiding and assisting in the recovery and\npreservation of wrecked property, shall be entitled to a reasonable\nallowance as salvage for their services, and to all expenses incurred by\nthem in the performance of such services, out of the property saved, and\nthe officer having the custody of such property shall detain the same\nuntil such salvage and expenses shall be paid and the salvage claimed in\nany case shall not exceed one-half of the value of the property or\nproceeds, and every agreement, order or adjustment allowing a greater\nsalvage shall be void.\n