Global Update

MV Koha sail preparations

"Where does this need to go?" It's a common question when preparing to deploy a ministry ship for a long-haul sail and months of outreach, especially in remote parts of the world. Space is a premium and when a ship is repurposed you have to be creative in stowing medical, maintenance and crew needs as many of the vessels used were not designed to be on station for extended periods.

The MV Koha is no different in this regard and for their 7-day sail from their home port in Tauranga to their first stop in Fiji. We are pleased to have played a part in helping the ship and her crew maintain and improve the vessel and the crew's safety awareness and seamanship preparedness to set them on a course for success in 2024.

The ship was to have already been on site meeting the medical needs of these remote people groups however with a vessel of this age there are always challenges. Before we disembarked the MV Koha in late March, it was found that the fresh water tank was leaking from the top of the tank. The tank is located aft of the engine room and just underneath where the dry stores are kept. The dry stores were dismantled, the tank repaired, and then the dry stores reassembled. Along with this another tank that was used for ballast was reconfigured and upgraded to accommodate more potable drinking water.

So even in the unexpected as in this case, there is a benefit to the usability of the ship. This was not an expected repair although it was due to be inspected at the end of the year. The plan is to sail as soon as they can meet the requirements for engineers so please join us in prayer that the ship can be underway.

MV Island Reach

The MV Island Reach is another repurposed vessel, currently being prepared for service as a medical ship. Formerly a British Navy Tugboat, she was built in Scotland and spent her life there pushing Naval vessels around the River Clyde and local Lochs. She was purchased by YWAM Switzerland to serve isolated communities of Madagascar, where the needs are great. The vessel is currently in Wales, UK as they now awaiting resources to make their way through the Mediterranean Sea on their journey to Madagascar, where the ship will provide medical services to the Malagasy people who live along the West coast of this island nation.

The ship has met many delays over the last two years from the time it takes to raise the funds and complete the conversion work. The shipyard in Birmingham that completed the steelwork for the new clinic on the main deck had offered to do the work “pro bono” with the proviso that if other paying work came up, the Island Mercy would take a back seat. The yard had many such opportunities and to be able to carry out the work there were several delays to be able to complete the work at no cost in labor and materials to the ministry. A blessing for sure and now the vessel is ready to sail.

As many of you will know the Red Sea has seen much unrest and this has been a hindrance to the timing of repositioning the MV Island Reach. There have been two other sailing routes considered to avoid this potential danger. One was to sail her down the West coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope (a very deceiving name!) The second option was to send her as cargo on a ship-carrying ship. Yes, there is such a thing, look up on the web: "ship shipping ship, shipping ships”!

However, the route down the West Coast of Africa was deemed too long of a route and would exact a heavy toll on the ship from a mechanical standpoint and fear places to “put in” for crew changes and in case of any emergencies.

Please pray for wisdom for those making the decisions on funding and timing for this sail. The opportunities to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the Malagasy people are great. One of the rural clinics alone serves a population of over 2000, many walk kilometers for treatment because it is the only option they have.

Developing Strong Partnership

MAST Global is dedicated to supporting these ministries with maritime training now and into the future. Since returning from the MV Koha, the focus has been on building an online maritime training platform that will be accessible to these ministries, their crew, and others called to Maritime missions.

We are also currently strengthening our financial partnerships with those committed to bringing health and hope to remote communities globally. Thank you for joining us on the voyage.

Sailing for impact!

- Matthew