keelhulled

Keelhulled is a historical naval punishment and form of execution. It involved passing a condemned sailor beneath the ship's keel, from one side to the other. The keel is the lowest structural member of a ship's hull. The process was extremely brutal and often fatal. As the victim was dragged under the ship, the barnacles and other sharp marine growth encrusting the keel would tear at their body, causing severe lacerations and dismemberment. Even if the victim survived the passage, they were often left in a severely wounded state, susceptible to infection and drowning. This punishment was primarily associated with the Royal Navy and other navies during the 17th and 18th centuries. The severity of the punishment meant it was usually reserved for the most serious offenses, such as mutiny or desertion. While effective as a deterrent due to its horrific nature, its extreme brutality led to its eventual abolition.