Nautical Term: Keel-haul
Definition of Keel-haul
The maritime punishment known as keel-hauling involves securing a rope around a person’s waist. After passing the rope under the ship and bringing it up on deck on the opposite side, the crew would then haul away, dragging the person down and around the keel of the vessel. As the bottom of the ship was always covered with sharp barnacles, this was a severe punishment used aboard sailing ships long ago. Today, a reprimand or a symbolic enactment of keel-hauling may serve as a reminder of the punishment’s historical significance.
As an example, imagine a crew member named Jack who was responsible for maintaining the ship’s sails. However, Jack failed to perform his duties properly, and the ship’s sails became damaged as a result.
To discipline Jack for his negligence, the ship’s captain decided to administer a symbolic keel-hauling punishment.
First, the captain had a lengthy rope prepared and secured around Jack’s waist. Next, the crew passed the rope under the ship and brought it up on deck on the opposite side.
Once the rope was in position, the crew members
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