History. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens in Lausanne in Switzerland. The first ocean liner acquired was the Victoria, which was purchased for its scrap value of US $1 million. The nine-deck vessel was transformed into the hospital ship MV Anastasis over a four-year period.

Mercy Ships began our mission to provide hope and healing to those in need in 1978. Each year we send hospital ships filled with volunteer medical professionals who selflessly provide life-changing surgeries to children and adults who otherwise would go without.

Don Stephens Don Stephens founded Mercy Ships in 1978 with the purchase of the Anastasis, where he and his family lived for ten years. During his time as President, Don directed and led thousands of professional volunteers from over 60 nations as well as employees in offices in 16 countries.

Mercy Ships is an international faith-based charity whose foundation rests on an integrated biblical worldview of service to others and a personal relationship with Jesus.

The story is about a group of young doctors who provide medical care to the locals who live in rural villages via a hospital ship that sails around the little islands.

In accordance with the Geneva Conventions, Mercy and her crew do not carry any offensive weapons, though defensive weapons are available.

This charity's score is 99%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence. This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community.

Mercy Ships delivers free, safe medical care to the world's least-developed countries. Our hospital ships are crewed by volunteers who treat dental and eye problems, cleft lips and palates, benign tumours, Noma, club feet, obstetric fistulas, burn contractures and various other conditions.

MERCY is a 1,000 bed hospital ship commissioned in 1986, with a military cadre crew of approximately eight Officers and 53 Enlisted personnel and a civilian mariner cadre crew of approximately 15 personnel while in a Reduced Operating Status (ROS).

11 Trustee(s)

It's a very beautiful medical story about dedicated and decent doctors who really value human lives! During their struggles they found some time for romance, so a sweet love story evolved. The two lead actors were great! Ha Ji Won was a top actress, as always.

San Diego, California MERCY is a 1,000 bed hospital ship commissioned in 1986, with a military cadre crew of approximately eight Officers and 53 Enlisted personnel and a civilian mariner cadre crew of approximately 15 personnel while in a Reduced Operating Status (ROS). We are layberthed at Pier 1 on Naval Base San Diego, California.