If you come across a floating package in the middle of the ocean, just drifting away, can you claim ownership over it? You might think, “Sure, why not? Finders keepers.” However, it’s hardly that simple as it depends on several underlying factors. For one, there might be competing property interests. The parties here can typically be narrowed down to two key players: the original owner of the goods and the party that finds it. However, in some cases, there may be a third-party interest. This can occur when the first party to retrieve the floating goods unintentionally loses control of it, letting it float away again and a new finder retrieves it.

Who really owns the legendary pirate ship known as the Black Pearl? This dispute centers on the ownership of the infamous pirate ship. Originally known as the Wicked Wench, the vessel was owned by the East India Trading Company (EITC) and captained by Jack Sparrow. After Sparrow disobeyed orders and freed enslaved individuals, the Company, led by Cutler Beckett, had the ship destroyed. Years later, Sparrow reclaimed the wreck by making an agreement with Davy Jones, who raised the ship from the sea. Sparrow renamed it the Black Pearl, transformed it, and became an infamous pirate captain. The EITC never reclaimed or repaired the wreck, and it was lost to the sea.