James Inhofe actually said...
In light of the obligation under international law for all ships to aid mariners in distress, we would expect other navies to assist U.S. flagged ships and we have seen that occur, most recently with the Maersk Virginia incident when the Italians assisted her on 22 May 2009.
Context
Inhofe discusses international law regarding assistance to U.S. flagged ships in distress.
05/21/2009