AN EX-naval supply ship which was delivered to Conwy in 2021 will depart for Madagascar next week to assist with the country’s medical needs.

Island Reach was purchased by Christian charity Youth With a Mission (YWAM), and then sailed to Conwy from Greenock, with the aim of making it a “more liveable hospital ship”.

It will leave Conwy Harbour on Monday, September 30 at high water (10.30am), following a farewell gathering at 4pm the previous day.

The ship is due to travel a distance of 6,834km, and it is hoped that it will arrive in Madagascar before Christmas.

Almost 30,000 litres of fuel are expected to be used during the journey, meanwhile.

YWAM said: “We will be blessed with a very international crew.

“We believe that the time is right and we are trusting for safety as we go, but to accompany us, you can join the journey in prayer.

“A weekly update (possibly more frequent) will be available with details of our passage for you to participate in the adventure.

“If you would like to be a part of this prayer chain, please let us know by sending an email to info@ywamships.ch

“We are so grateful to the many people who have given time, energy, expertise and finance to the project so far. Without you, we would not be where we are today.

“We have almost all that we need financially.

“There is a small portion of the costs that we still need to see come in, but we trust that this will happen over the next few weeks in order for us to complete the passage.”

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.

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.