Merchant Shipping Act 1995 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 9 · Wreck and Salvage
150. Power of receiver to suppress plunder and disorder by force
Feedback & supportWhenever a ship is wrecked, stranded or in distress as aforesaid, and any person plunders, creates disorder or obstructs the preservation of the ship or of the shipwrecked persons or of the cargo or apparel of the ship, the receiver may cause that person to be apprehended.
ship
“ship” means any kind of vessel used in navigation by water, however propelled or moved and includes —(a)a barge, lighter or other floating vessel;(b)an air-cushion vehicle, or other similar craft, used wholly or primarily in navigation by water; and(c)an off-shore industry mobile unit;
The receiver may use force for the suppression of any such plundering, disorder or obstruction, and may command all persons to assist him or her in so using force.