AN EX-naval supply ship which was delivered to Conwy in 2021 which was planned to be sent to Madagascar to assist with the country’s medical needs last month may now not depart until 2025.

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 would leave Conwy for Africa on Tuesday, April 9.

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Conwy ship’s departure for Madagascar delayed as more donations needed

But its departure was postponed as the funds needed to pay for all of its delivery costs have not yet been raised.

It is estimated that another £200,000 is needed before it can set sail.

A member of the group said that the ship “will have to stay in Conwy until maybe next spring”.

He added: “The war in the Middle East has forced us to have the ship piggybacked on a much larger ship to go to Durban, South Africa, and sail up to Madagascar from there.”

To help raise funds, Ny Ako, a concert group from Madagascar is set to play a series of shows in North Wales in June.

It is proposed that concerts will be held venues in Llanrwst (Seion Chapel), Conwy (St Mary’s Church) and Llandudno (Gloddaeth United Church) on the evenings of June 24, 25 and 26 respectively.

Island Reach is a 24-metre ex-naval, two hold, stores tender, with a draft of only 2.2 metres, a strong hull, and good engines.

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.