(1) The master of a Saint Lucian ship on receiving at sea a signal from any source that a ship or aircraft, or a survival craft thereof, is in distress, shall go with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress, informing them if possible that he or she is doing so, and if—
(a) the master is unable to proceed to the assistance of the persons; or
(b) in the special circumstances of the case he or she considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to proceed to their assistance,
the master shall enter in the offical log book the reason for failing to proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress.
(2) If a master fails to comply with the provisions of this section he or she commits an offence and on summary conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.