What term describes the act of taking by force a vessel's cargo or cash?

The term that refers to the act of taking by force a vessel's cargo or cash is piracy. Piracy involves unlawful acts committed at sea, which typically include armed robbery or hijacking of ships and their contents. It is recognized as a serious crime under international law, and vessels that fall victim to piracy often face significant threats to the safety of both their crew and cargo.

In contrast, smuggling involves the illegal transportation of goods or people, but it doesn’t necessarily imply the use of force or the element of robbery. Sabotage refers to deliberate actions aimed at damaging or destroying property or operations, which isn't focused on taking cargo. Terrorism, while it can involve violent acts against vessels, is aimed at instilling fear or achieving political ends rather than specifically focused on stealing cargo or cash. Thus, piracy is the most accurate term for forcibly taking a vessel's cargo or cash.