(1) Whosoever

1.  uses force or attacks the freedom of decision of a person or engages in other conduct in order to gain control of, or influence the navigation of

(a)  an aircraft employed in civil air traffic which is in flight; or

(b)  a ship employed in civil maritime traffic; or

2.  uses firearms or undertakes to cause an explosion or a fire, in order to destroy or damage such an aircraft or ship or any cargo on board

shall be liable to imprisonment of not less than five years. An aircraft which has already been boarded by members of the crew or passengers or the loading of the cargo of which has already begun or which has not yet been deboarded by members of the crew or passengers or the unloading of the cargo of which has not been completed shall be equivalent to an aircraft in flight.

(2) In less serious cases the penalty shall be imprisonment from one to ten years.

(3) If by the act the offender at least by gross negligence causes the death of another person the penalty shall be imprisonment for life or not less than ten years.

(4) Whosoever in preparation of an offence under subsection (1) above pro duces, procures for himself or another, stores or supplies to another firearms, explosives or other materials designed to cause an explosion or a fire shall be liable to imprisonment from six months to five years.