Mercy Ships - MV Good
Samaritan, then
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as my other related maritime & cruise sites are 100% non-commercial and
privately owned sites. Be assured that I am NOT associated with any shipping or
cruise companies or agencies or any other organisations! The author has been in
the passenger shipping industry since May 1960, but although retired and
unwell, I occasionally attempt to write an article now and then, in order to
bring enjoyment and pleasure to ship enthusiasts past passengers and crew.
Part One
The truth is that I have had a long personal interest with MERCY SHIPS an amazing 100% volunteer medical organisation that travels the world by ship and provides free medicine and surgeries wherever it is needed. This wonderful mission commenced in 1978 with their first ship and continued with a number of fine classic style ships, one of these being another fine and well-known classic ship.
History - MV Petite Forte:
This fine little ship was built in 1961 by
Saint John Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. Ltd., at
The MV Petite Forte in icy cold conditions
MV Petite Forte - Specifications:
Built in: 1961.
Built by:
Sister Ships:
Registry:
Power: 2
Tonnage: 1,135 GRT.
Length: 57.30m - 188ft.
Beam: 11.58m - 38ft.
Drought: 3.96m - 13ft.
Passengers: 98.
MV Petite Forte operated efficiently for 22
years, however as the times were changing and she became obsolete, it was
decided to do something very special and this delightful 1,135-ton ferry
was donated to MERCY SHIPS in 1983.
Part Two
MERCY SHIPS sent her to a shipyard where she
underwent an extensive but a rapid renovation turning her into an operational
floating Medical Centre will all the facilities, this meant building of
theatres, wards, and waiting rooms for patients. In addition the ship would
have a permanent medical and other staff and crew of 60, but she was able to
accommodate up to 80 persons.
The MV Good Samaritan heading for her next destination where she is needed!
As soon as she was completed she worked for a good 11 years for MERCY SHIPS and “YWAM” being “Youth With A Mission” with her new name being MV Good Samaritan and she operated mostly around the Caribbean, but more in Central and South America where she served many communities well until 1994. Thereafter she was renamed the MV Island Mercy and was redeployed to the South Pacific where she served through to 2001.
Facilities & Features:
The MV
A very young eye patient awaits attention
The Island Mercy had specialised ophthalmic
surgeons on board and then as MERCY SHIPS continue to do today, perform free,
critical eye surgeries, providing patients with renewed eyesight and improved
quality of life. The community based eye clinics provide basic eye care to
treat acute problems and prevent blindness.
A young eye patient
Performed
more than 1,150 surgeries such as cataract removal, strabismus, dental and
orthopaedic procedures.
Treated more than 12,750 people in village medical clinics.
Performed an amazing 29,370 dental treatments.
Trained local medical professionals in modern health-care techniques
to carry on after the ship’s departure.
Taught local health-care workers to train others in basic health
care.
Delivered more than $359,000 of vitally needed medical equipment, hospital supplies and medicines.
Ports Visited:
Whilst she was the MV Good Samaritan, she
carried cargo and personnel to the Pan-American games for the
In 2001 the MV Island Mercy was sold to
Philippine interests where she is used as a training vessel by a navigation school based in
MV
The “Little Giant” the MV
Island Mercy is seen at
Thank you
As I Am a Supporter of MERCY SHIPS I will ask, will you Please HELP those
who urgently need your help?
The
Current Ship is the Africa
Enter: https://youtu.be/I_5Rei4jFeA
“He
who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He (the
LORD) will reward him for what he has done.”
*************************
I watched them come, I watched them go and I watched them die.”
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