View all text of Chapter 2 [§ 21 - § 39]
§ 23. Injury to submarine cables in efforts to save life excepted
The provisions of sections 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.
(Feb. 29, 1888, ch. 17, § 3, 25 Stat. 41.)