A hospital ship is a ship designated for primary function as a floating medical treatment facility or hospital. Most are operated by the military forces (mostly navies) of various countries, as they are intended to be used in or near war zones.
Attacking a hospital ship is a war crime. However, belligerent navies are entitled the right to board such ships for inspections.
Read more about Hospital Ship: International Law, History, U.S. Navy Hospital Ships, Legal Status
Famous quotes containing the words hospital and/or ship:
“The sun his hand uncloses like a statue,
Irrevocably: thereby such light is freed
That all the dingy hospital of snow
Dies back to ditches.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“The world’s a ship on its voyage out, and not a voyage complete; and the pulpit is its prow.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)