(1) Where a vessel is wrecked, stranded or in distress in Saint Lucian waters or on the shores of Saint Lucia, any cargo or other articles belonging to or separated from the vessel which are washed ashore or otherwise lost or taken from the vessel shall be delivered to a receiver.
(2) Any person, whether or not the owner of any cargo or article referred to in subsection (1), who conceals or keeps possession of any such cargo or article or refuses to deliver any such cargo or article to a receiver or any person authorised by the receiver to demand such cargo or article, commits an offence and on summary conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000.
(3) A receiver or any person authorised by the receiver to demand the delivery to him or her of any cargo or article referred to in subsection (1) may take such cargo or article by force from any person refusing to deliver the cargo or article to him or her.