 [ I ] f any person shall , on the high seas , wilfully and corruptly cast away , burn , or otherwise destroy , any ship or vessel of which he is owner in part or in whole , or in <unk> direct or procure the same to be done , with intent or design to prejudice any person or persons that hath underwritten , or shall underwrite , any policy or policies of insurance thereon or of any merchant or merchants that shall load goods thereon , or of any other owner or owners of such ship or vessel , the person or persons offending therein , being thereof lawfully convicted , shall be deemed and adjudged guilty of felony , and shall suffer death . 
