(1) Where the owner of a ship has been convicted of an offence under this Act and a fine has been imposed on the owner, if the fine is not paid, the ship may be seized and after reasonable notice, sold by the Comptroller or any person authorised for that purpose in writing by the Minister, and such officer or person may, by bill of sale, give to the purchaser a valid title to the ship, free from any mortgage or other claim thereon which at the time of sale may be in existence.