That is not correct. The ASA gives title to
abandoned shipwrecks. One has to file an Admiralty Arrest to get a determination that the wreck has been abandoned. Shipwrecks are not considered abandoned by default.
§2101. Findings
The Congress finds that–
(a) States have the responsibility for management of a broad range of living and nonliving resources in State waters and submerged lands; and
(b) included in the range of resources are certain abandoned shipwrecks, which have been deserted and to which the owner has relinquished ownership rights with no retention.
(
Pub. L. 100—298, §2, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 432.)
§2102. Definitions
For purposes of this chapter–
(a) the term "embedded" means firmly affixed in the submerged lands or in coralline formations such that the use of tools of excavation is required in order to move the bottom sediments to gain access to the shipwreck, its cargo, and any part thereof;