Former naval supply ship leaves Conwy Harbour for Madagascar

Island Reach was purchased by Christian charity Youth With a Mission (YMAM) in December 2021, and then sailed to Conwy from Greenock in September 2022.

For the last two years, it has been converted to be able to assist with medical needs once it arrives in Madagascar.

Following a farewell gathering yesterday, the boat set sail from Conwy Harbour at high water at about 10.20am this morning, with captain Jeremy McWilliam leading a crew of six.

Island Reach leaves Conwy (Image: Newsquest)

As the boat pulled out of the harbour, Jeremy joked: “I hope we won’t see you all in a couple of hours’ time!”, before thanking those in attendance for their “friendship and support”.

Those who came to wave the ship off sang the hymn “I Was Once In Darkness” as the boat left the harbour.

The crew, who received a last-minute delivery of pork pies before heading off, will take Island Reach for a “test run” around Menai Bridge today.

Island Reach pulls out of Conwy Harbour (Image: Newsquest)

The ship, a 24-metre ex-naval, two hold, stores tender, 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.

With a draft of only 2.2 metres, a strong hull, and good engines, she is well-suited for going up rivers and small inlets to reach communities in need.

Volunteers and members of Coleg Llandrillo helped to repairing and update essential mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on board to make it fit to sail to Madagascar.

YWAM Ships is the legal owner of Island Reach, but the principal of YWAM Maritime Academy is managing this project in Conwy.

Regular updates on the ship’s progress can be received by emailing info@ywamships.ch.

Elaine Leakey, who lives in Switzerland, formed YWAM Ships three years ago.

She said: “We wanted to buy this ship because we wanted to be able to offer medical treatment to some French-speaking islands.

Island Reach leaves Conwy (Image: Newsquest)

“There is no boat that serves French-speaking islands globally at the moment, so it was on our hearts to have something transformed that could be of use in Madagascar.

“It’s been almost three years in the making, so it’s really exciting to see her fully furnished, refurbished, and ready to leave from Conwy to Madagascar today.”