Section 39. Unlawful taking of ransom.

Every Commanding Officer or skipper of a ship who,-- (a) unlawfully agrees with any person for the ransoming of any vessel, craft, aircraft, goods or things taken into custody by the Coast Guard; or (b) in pursuance of any unlawful agreement for ransoming or otherwise by collusion actually quits or restores any vessel, craft, aircraft, goods or things taken into custody by the Coast Guard, shall, on conviction by a Coast Guard Court, be liable to suffer imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.