The Coast Guard may furnish clothing and subsistence to destitute shipwrecked persons, and the Coast Guard may reimburse, in cash or in kind, Coast Guard personnel who furnish clothing and subsistence to destitute ship- wrecked persons.

(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 534.)

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §749 (July 27, 1912, ch. 255, §2, 37 Stat. 239; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §1, 37 Stat. 736).

This section was enlarged to provide that the Coast Guard, as well as personnel thereof, may furnish clothing and subsistence to destitute shipwrecked persons.

Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.