59-21-55 - Duty of vessel operator to remain at scene of accident and render aid and assistance; liability for rendering assistance. - Mississippi Statutes

§ 59-21-55. Duty of vessel operator to remain at scene of accident and render aid and assistance; liability for rendering assistance.
 

(1)  It shall be the duty of the operator of any vessel involved in a boating accident to remain at the scene of such accident until he has rendered all necessary aid and assistance, including the carrying or the making of arrangements for the carrying of any person involved in such accident to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical, surgical or hospital treatment, if necessary, or if such carrying is requested by such injured person, and it is the further duty of the operator of any vessel or vessels involved in a boating accident required to be reported under this chapter to report the same as herein provided. 

(2)  Any person who complies with subsection (1) of this section or who gratuitously and in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable care renders assistance at the scene of a vessel collision, accident, or other casualty without objection of any person assisted, shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of the rendering of assistance or for any act committed in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable care or omission in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable care by such person in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance where the assisting person acts as an ordinary, reasonable, prudent man would have acted under the same or similar circumstances. 
 

Sources: Codes, 1942, § 8496-18; Laws,  1960, ch. 165, § 18; Laws, 1973, ch. 372, § 3; Laws, 1979, ch. 376, § 3, eff from and after July 1, 1979.