Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-73not60
§23 Injury to Submarine Cables in Efforts to Save Life Excepted
Title 47 › Chapter 2— SUBMARINE CABLES › § 23
Summary
You may break or damage a cable if you do it to save someone's life or limb, or to save your own or another boat or ship. This is allowed only if you take reasonable steps to avoid breaking or damaging the cable.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §23
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The provisions of section 21 and 22 of this title shall not apply to a person who breaks or injures a cable in an effort to save the life or limb of himself or of any other person, or to save his own or any other vessel: Provided, That he takes reasonable precautions to avoid such breaking or injury.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 23
Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60