---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 1659"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "1659"
heading: "Attack to plunder vessel"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/1659"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 81 — Piracy and Privateering"
---

# §1659. Attack to plunder vessel


[Whoever](/usc/18/921.md?p=a-1), upon the high seas or other waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the [United States](/usc/18/229F.md?p=9), by surprise or open force, maliciously attacks or sets upon any vessel belonging to another, with an intent unlawfully to plunder the same, or to despoil any [owner](/usc/18/1839.md?p=4) thereof of any moneys, goods, or merchandise laden on board thereof, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.


## Source credit

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 775; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 489 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 298, 35 Stat. 1147).

Mandatory punishment provisions were rephrased in the alternative.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.