Whenever a vessel is wrecked, stranded or in distress as aforesaid, and any person plunders, creates disorder or obstructs the preservation of the vessel or of the shipwrecked persons or of the cargo or equipment of the vessel, the receiver of wreck may take such steps and use such force as he may consider necessary for the suppression of any such plundering, disorder or obstruction, and may for that purpose command any person to assist him.

---