AN EX-naval supply ship which was delivered to Conwy in 2021 has experience a delay in being sent to Madagascar to assist with the country’s medical needs.
Island Reach was purchased by Christian charity Youth With a Mission (YMAM), and then sailed to Conwy from Greenock, with the aim of making it a “more liveable hospital ship”.
Following a complete overhaul by a team of volunteers, it was hoped the boat will leave Conwy for Africa on Tuesday (April 9).
But its departure has now been postponed as the funds needed to pay for all of its delivery costs have not yet been raised.
The boat is a 24-metre ex-naval, two hold, stores tender, with a draft of only 2.2 metres, a strong hull, and good engines.
Elaine Leakey, of YWAM, said: “Island Reach is nearly ready to depart to Madagascar having been completely overhauled and converted by our amazing group of volunteers in Conwy.
“There are only some small ‘finishing-off’ jobs left to do after fitting the air conditioning and a water maker this month.
“We had a target date for beginning the delivery sail of April 9. However, we have not yet raised all the necessary funds to pay for all the delivery costs.
“So, we have turned our attention to this, looking at options.
“The delivery was always intended to be done by volunteer crews and the route was obviously via the Mediterranean and Red Sea, but that is now difficult with the situation off Yemen.
“The route round South Africa is 2,000 miles longer and would be mostly deep sea, as we avoid piracy off West Africa.
“Therefore, so far, the best option looks like sending her ‘piggybacked’ on a much larger vessel, which will involve sailing her to Antwerp, Belgium, shipping to Durban, and sailing up from there to Mahajanga, Madagascar.”
The estimated total cost of this is roughly £200,000.
Donating to this project can be done in several ways - via www.ywamships.ch, or directly to the UK charity (Youth With A Mission, NatWest plc, 16 The Boulevard, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1XU, sort code 60-06-20, account number 56972989).
Volunteers and members of Coleg Llandrillo have also helped repair and update essential mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on board to make it fit to sail to Madagascar.
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