(a) Upon receiving the report of the prize master directed by section
7658 of this title, the United States attorney for the district shall promptly
(1) file a libel against the prize property;
(2) obtain a warrant from the court directing the marshal to take custody of the prize property; and
(3) proceed to obtain a condemnation of the property.
(b) In connection with the condemnation proceedings the United States attorney shall insure that the prize commissioners
(1) take proper preparatory evidence; and
(2) take depositions de bene esse of the prize crew and of other transient persons who know any facts bearing on condemnation.
