33 CFR §401.88

1. (a)Where a vessel has been detained pursuant to § 401.87(a) and payment of the tolls and charges or the fine imposed has not been made within a reasonable time after
   1. (1)The time of the detention, in the case of arrears of tolls and charges, or
   2. (2)The imposition of the fine or penalty, in the case of a violation, the Corporation may direct that the vessel or its cargo or any part thereof be seized and sold subject to and in accordance with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
2. (b)The Corporation may, after giving such notice as it deems reasonable to the representative of the vessel, sell the vessel or cargo seized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section.
3. (c)An amount equal to the cost of the detention, seizure and sale, and
   1. (1)The tolls and charges payable, or
   2. (2)The fine or penalty imposed on conviction, shall be deducted from the proceeds of a sale pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, and the balance shall be paid to the owner of the vessel or cargo or the mortgagee thereof, as the case may be.