Whenever a boat, barge or scow is stranded or sunk in any of the navigable waters of this state and left remaining for a period of thirty days by the owners or persons having the same in charge, the board of chosen freeholders of the county within the bounds of which the boat, barge or scow is sunken or stranded shall, on written notice to them by six freeholders residing in the county that such boat, barge or scow is obstructing the free navigation of the river, investigate the same.

If in the opinion of the board of chosen freeholders the boat, barge or scow does or is likely to obstruct the navigation, they shall give notice to the owners or persons having the same last in charge, if their residence is known, that the boat, barge or scow is a nuisance and must be removed within thirty days thereafter. If their residence is unknown, public notice shall be given to the like effect by advertising the same in any newspaper published and circulating in the county where the barge, boat or scow may lie.