Section 43
SEC. 43. Coast district inspectors shall protect the interests of the revenue with respect to all goods, wares, and merchandise which may be landed or in any way come to the land from a vessel from a foreign port wrecked or stranded upon the coast. On learning that a vessel has been wrecked or stranded the coast district inspector or other customs officer nearest the place where the casualty has occurred shall proceed to such stranded or wrecked vessel or as near such vessel as is possible, and, as soon as he ascertains the situation of the vessel, make report in writing of all the facts and circumstances in relation thereto to the surveyor of the nearest port of entry, or to the collector if there is no surveyor. In case the vessel is likely to break up, or if the condition of the vessel is such that its cargo can be landed or discharged therefrom, he shall remain at or near the wreck, and take possession and keep charge of all goods and merchandise which may come or be brought to land.