Whenever—
(a)any inland 5[mechanically propelled vessel] has been wrecked, abandoned or materially damaged, or
(b)by reason of any casualty happening to, or on. board of, any inland 5[mechanically propelled vessel], loss of life has ensued,. or
(c)any inland 5[mechanically propelled vessel] alas caused loss or material damage to, any other vessel,
the master of the 5[mechanically propelled vessel] shall forthwith give notice of the wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty, or loss to the officer in charge of the nearest police -station.