Island Mercy
Newfoundland Coastal Ferry Donated for Mercy
She sailed for 11 years as Good Samaritan, serving the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. During that decade-plus, she carried cargo and personnel to the Pan-American games for the U.S. Olympic Committee in 1991, and became the first ship to legally sail between the United States and Cuba in 30 years.
In 1994, she underwent extensive renovations, including the addition of onboard operating rooms, and was renamed Island Mercy. She was redeployed to the South Pacific where she served until 2001. To her crew, she was affectionately known as “Little Giant.”
Ship History
The former Newfoundland coastal ferry Petite Forte was donated to Mercy Ships in 1983. She sailed for 11 years as Good Samaritan serving the Caribbean, Central, and South America, until 1994 when she was renamed Island Mercy and redeployed to the South Pacific where she served until 2001.
Island Mercy focused on eye and dental services, and carried cargo and a permanent crew of 60 people. Her shallow draft allowed her access where larger Mercy Ships could not reach.
Ship Specifications
| Fleet Dates | 1983 - 2001 |
| Registered | Panama |
| Crew Capacity | 80 |
| Main Engine | 2 Crossley Diesels (1,100 bhp each) |
| Draft | 3.8 m |
| Length | 52.7m |
| Breadth | 11.6m |
| Gross Tonnage | 998 |
| Built | Canada, 1961 |
| Surveyed by | Lloyds |
