Hospital Ship

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)

    No stir in the air, no stir in the sea,
    The ship was still as she could be;
    Robert Southey (1774–1843)