the Global Mercy DAKAR, SENEGAL, FEBRUARY 15, 2023 – The newest Mercy Ship, the Global Mercy arrived in Dakar, Senegal on February 14, 2023. While the ship hosted surgical training in Senegal in 2022, this year marks the first time that specialized surgeries will take place on this newly built hospital ship.

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.

Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has been based exclusively in Africa, serving the nations of Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo.

Sierra Leone Mercy Ships to Sail to Sierra Leone In August 2023, the largest civilian hospital vessel, the Global Mercy, will sail into the port of Freetown, marking the sixth Mercy Ships field service over the span of 30 years to this nation.

About our hospital ships Currently, Mercy Ships operates two hospital ships. The Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy.

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.

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.

Don Stephens Don Stephens first imagined a fleet of hospital ships as a teenage Christian. He later founded Mercy Ships in 1978, inspired by a meeting with Mother Teresa and the birth of his son with additional needs. “ We operate a world class hospital on a ship – it's a powerful tool!”

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.

the Global Mercy President Julius Maada Bio, Freetown has welcomed a Mercy Ships' hospital ship, marking the sixth instance of the collaboration between Mercy Ships and the government of Sierra Leone. This time it is the Global Mercy the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship, which has docked at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

Aberdeen Aberdeen has a rich history with The Tall Ships Races, hosting the incredible fleet in 1991 and 1997. We are excited to welcome the Tall Ships Races back to Aberdeen in July 2025.