(1) Where any vessel is or has been in distress in Saint Lucian waters, a receiver or, in his or her absence, a magistrate, shall, as soon as conveniently may be, examine on oath, which a receiver is hereby empowered to administer, any person belonging to the vessel, or any other person who is able to give any account of the distress or of the cargo or stores of the vessel as to the following matters—
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(a) the name and description of the vessel;
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(b) the name of the master and of the owner of the vessel;
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(c) the names of the owners of the cargo;
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(d) the names of the ports, from and to which the vessel was bound;
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(e) the occasion of the distress of the vessel;
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(f) the services rendered to the vessel; and
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(g) such other matters or circumstances relating to the vessel or to the cargo on board the vessel as the person holding the examination thinks necessary.