Mercy Ships Departs from Sierra Leone, Set to Return in August

As per a press release dated June 16, 2025, Mercy Ship will temporarily depart from Freetown for scheduled maintenance, with its return anticipated in August 2025. Upon its return, the international medical charity will resume providing free, transformative surgeries and specialized training for healthcare professionals.

The press release indicated that the ship will proceed to Cádiz, Spain, for routine maintenance and upgrades. Operations in Freetown, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, are expected to continue until June 2026.

Since its arrival in Freetown in August 2023, Mercy Ships has performed over 3,360 free surgeries and delivered onboard training to more than 290 Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals, thereby enhancing the country's surgical care systems.

Dr. Sandra Lako, Country Director of Mercy Ships Sierra Leone, conveyed enthusiasm for the ongoing initiatives, stating, “We look forward to the ship’s return in August as we deepen our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the University of Sierra Leone to build sustainable surgical capacity.” 

Dr. Lako also highlighted Mercy Ships' long-term commitment to Sierra Leone, with a partnership agreement extending through 2030, even after the ship's scheduled departure in 2026.