As a sailor (the recreational kind and former Navy) I find this particularily vile. In my experience, all boats, whether large or small, cheap or expensive, recreational or commercial stop everything they are doing when there’s a distress call vaguely in their vicinity. At the very least everyone is turning up their radio to monitor what is happening and having dedicated personell whatching the seas for the distraught vessel or event. It is espescially true if you have the equipment, the men power, the time and the money to spare going above and beyond.

In my oppinion aiding those in need at sea is the most basic and fundamental thing to do as a sailor. Those sailors that comply with orders not to help should never ever be allowed on a ship again. Despicable pieces of shit.