14 U.S.C. § 2710 — Disposition of effects of decedents

Any money, valuable items, papers, keepsakes, or similar property belonging to a deceased Coast Guard individual must be placed in “safe custody” if the individual’s “legal heirs” or “next of kin” have not claimed it. This section does not define “safe custody,” “legal heirs,” or “next of kin.” If any of that money or property remains unclaimed for two years after the individual’s death, it must be sold. The sale proceeds, together with the money described above, must be deposited in the Treasury as “miscellaneous receipts.” This section does not define “miscellaneous receipts.” After each such death, the Secretary must make a “diligent inquiry” to find where the individual’s heirs or next of kin are. The Secretary must also issue the regulations needed to carry out these rules. A claim under this section may be submitted at any time within five years after the money or sale proceeds have been deposited in the Treasury. If a claim is supported by “competent proof” after that Treasury deposit, it must be certified to Congress for consideration. This section does not define “diligent inquiry” or “competent proof.”