Duty of Receiver where ship stranded, etc

(1) Whenever any ship or boat is stranded or in distress at any place on or near the coasts or cayes, or within the limits of Belize, the Receiver of the district within which such place is situate shall, upon being made acquainted with such accident, forthwith proceed to such place, and upon his arrival there he shall take the command of all persons present, and assign such duties to each person and issue such directions as he may think fit with a view to the preservation of such ship or boat, and the lives of the persons belonging thereto, and the cargo and apparel thereof. (2) Any person who wilfully disobeys the directions of any Receiver commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars. (3) It shall not be lawful for a Receiver to interfere between the master of such ship or boat and his crew in matters relating to the management of the ship or boat unless he is requested so to do by such master.