WAGES AFFECTED BY LOSS OF VESSEL OR INTERRUPTION OF VOYAGE.--If a vessel meets with a disaster, it is the duty of the crew to remain by her so long as they can do it with safety, and to exert themselves to the utmost of their ability to save as much as possible of the vessel and cargo.[235] If they abandon the vessel unnecessarily, they forfeit all their wages; and if their leaving was necessary and justifiable, yet they lose their wages except up to the last port of delivery and for half the time the vessel was lying there, or for so long as she was engaged with the outward cargo.[236] This rule may seem hard, but its object is to secure the services of the crew in case of a disaster. If by their exertions any parts of the vessel or cargo are saved, they are entitled to wages, and an extra sum for salvage.[237] If the vessel is abandoned and nothing is saved, they lose their wages, except up to the last port of delivery and for half the time the vessel was lying there.[238] [235] Ware, 49. 1 Pet. 204. [236] Pet. C. C. 182. 3 Sumner, 286. [237] Ware, 49. Gilpin, 79. 2 Mason, 319. I Hagg. 227. [238] 2 Mason, 329. 1 Pet. Ad. 204, 130; 2 do. 391. 11 Mass. 545. The general rule is, that a seaman's wages are secure to him whenever the vessel has earned any freight, whatever may afterwards happen. And a vessel earns freight at every port where she delivers any cargo. For the benefit of seamen a vessel is held to earn freight whenever she goes to a port under a contract for freight, though she go in ballast.[239] A seaman also secures his wages wherever the ship might have earned freight but for the agreement or other act of the owner.[240] If a vessel is on a trading voyage from port to port, and is lost on the homeward passage, wages would probably be allowed for the outward passage, and for half the time she was engaged in trading with the old or new cargoes; the trading and going from port to port being considered the same as though she had been lying in port all the time, and discharging and receiving cargo. Or else, wages would be given up to the last port at which she took in any return cargo, and for half the time she was lying there.[241] [239] 2 Mason, 319. 1 Pet. Ad. 207. [240] 3 Sumner, 286. 2 Mason, 319. 2 Hagg. 158. [241] Pet. C. C. 182. 2 Pet. Ad. 390.