33 U.S.C. § 1474 : Navigation And Navigable Waters — Pollution Casualties On The High Seas: United States Intervention — Federal Intervention Actions

Upon a determination under section 1472 of this title of a grave and imminent danger to the coastline or related interests of the United States, the Secretary may—

(1) coordinate and direct all public and private efforts directed at the removal or elimination of the threatened pollution damage;

(2) directly or indirectly undertake the whole or any part of any salvage or other action he could require or direct under subsection (1) of this section; and

(3) remove, and, if necessary, destroy the ship and cargo which is the source of the danger.

(Pub. L. 93–248, § 5, Feb. 5, 1974, 88 Stat. 9.)