Summer maintenance
The Africa Mercy in dry dock
Africa Mercy in dry dock
Each year the Africa Mercy goes into a shipyard for much needed maintenance. Thanks to skilled volunteers who come and help specifically in this important phase, we are able to make the repairs needed to continue transforming lives and nations, year after year.
This year again, our technical crew works incredibly hard to get the ship ready to sail to Cameroon. An additional 40 crew members, some with their families, joined the Africa Mercy during shipyard in Las Palmas, Grand Canaria. These hardworking men and women worked on various projects onboard to help get the entire ship fit for the next field service in Cameroon.
Shawn, one of our photographers, loves this time of the year on the hospital ship. “Shipyard itself is an interesting place; the constant busyness and noises and machinery are a spectacle to watch. At night, there is this quiet stillness. The lights illuminate the calm waters and tired ships resting from the days of welding, patching, and scratching. Times like these are a beautiful reminder to me that no matter how busy you may find yourself – it’s important to rest.”
Ann is a chaplain for the patients on the Africa Mercy. She can’t wait to travel to Cameroon. “I’m looking forward to being at the next point in the journey – and the sail is the next big piece. We can all enjoy and appreciate these days of being together as we get ready to serve in Cameroon!”
- 27 July 2017
Recent Posts
Update on the Situation in Madagascar, One Week After Cyclone Gezani
On February 10, Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar, severely impacting the port city of Tamatave (Toamasina). As a long-standing partner in Madagascar, we recognize the profound impact this has had on families and communities across the region.
Physiotherapists from Sierra Leone aboard the Global Mercy
Through its programmes of medical capacity building,
Mercy Ships contributes to the development of the expertise of active professionals committed to improving surgical care in Sierra Leone.
Looking Back at the Key Moments in 2025
In 2025, we continued our mission by providing quality surgical care aboard our two hospital ships and strengthening our local partnerships. Mercy Ships Switzerland is deeply grateful for your support throughout the year.
Global Surgery must evolve : Mercy Ships shows the way
Discover the vision of Dr. Sherif Emil, International Medical Director at Mercy Ships. From engineering to pediatric surgery, he shares his journey and offers his vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable global surgery, built on collaboration.
Similar items
45 Years of Mercy Ships
Looking Back and Dreaming of the Future 45 years ago, Don and Deyon Stephens had a dream of converting a ship into a floating hospital to bring safe, free surgical
From Fine Dining to Humanitarian Service: Anouck’s Path
For four years, Anouck dedicated her talents and skills aboard the Africa Mercy. Starting as dining room manager and later as Operations Director, she shares with us her unique volunteer experience on board.
Claude Ziehli, fundraiser at Mercy Ships
Claude Ziehli is a Mercy Ships fundraiser. He tells us about his encounter with our association, its mission and the birth of the Mercy Ships Network.
