Title 47, Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-102
§23 Injury to Submarine Cables in Efforts to Save Life Excepted
Title 47 › CHAPTER 2 — SUBMARINE CABLES › § 23
Summary
Breaking or damaging an undersea cable to rescue a person (including yourself) or to save a boat is allowed, as long as you take reasonable care to avoid the damage.
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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102