(1) Where a seaman—
(a) is found in any place outside Saint Lucia after having been shipwrecked from a Saint Lucian ship; or
(b) by reason of having been discharged or left behind from a Saint Lucian ship in any place outside Saint Lucia, is in distress in that place,
the Registrar of Seamen or proper officer may provide relief to that seaman in accordance with this Act.
(2) Relief is provided to the seaman when provision is made—
(a) for the return of the seaman at the expense of the Government to a proper return port and also for the seaman's necessary clothing and maintenance until his or her departure for such a port;
(b) in the case of death, for burial expenses; and
(c) in addition, in the case of a shipwrecked seaman, for the repayment of any expenses incurred in his or her conveyance to port after his or her shipwreck and his or her maintenance while being so conveyed.
(3) A seaman for whom relief is provided under subsection (1)(a) is included within the expression “distressed seaman” in this Act.