East London- The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship operated by Mercy Ships International, will be docking at the Port of East London for the next three months. The ship will be undergoing minor maintenance, crew changes, and recruitment of medical practitioners in preparation for its next medical field service in Madagascar.
Mercy Ships International is a non-profit organization that provides free healthcare services to people in need across the world. The Africa Mercy is one of sixteen national offices dedicated to offering free and safe surgery onboard its vessels to those in disadvantaged areas.
TNPA Port Manager for the Port of East London, Sphiwe Mthembu, expressed his honor at being able to provide a temporary home for the Africa Mercy. He hopes that the ship will visit the port again in the future and that the port-city community will benefit from the outstanding work that Mercy Ships International does.
After completing its maintenance work at the Port of East London, the Africa Mercy will sail to Madagascar for a 10-month mission. The NPO is currently recruiting crew members to bring the total number to around 270 for the sail and is also providing crew members with the necessary rest and opportunities to explore East London and the Eastern Cape province.Â
