§  2.401   Distress messages.

   Each station licensee shall give absolute priority to
   radiocommunications or signals relating to ships or aircraft in
   distress; shall cease all sending on frequencies which will interfere
   with hearing a radiocommunication or signal of distress and except when
   engaged in answering or aiding the ship or aircraft in distress, shall
   refrain from sending any radiocommunications or signals until there is
   assurance that no interference will be caused with the
   radiocommunications or signals relating thereto; and shall assist the
   ship or aircraft in distress, so far as possible, by complying with its
   instructions.