In March 2020, though the Ship Ruach was back from PNG and in Queensland at the time, we realised that with borders closed, it was impossible to operate. This new reality also meant future multiple years of rebuilding the ability to operate a commercial vessel such as the Ruach in PNG.
In 2021, after consultation with stakeholders, YWAM took the difficult decision to place the Ruach on the market. She sold in December 2022, going to a Lithuanian adventure charter organisation, taking guests to Antartica and beyond. This decision has allowed us to preserve the investment of donors, and be in a position to relaunch key aid strategies into the future. We are thankful for all of our volunteers, and donors who helped make our work up in PNG possible.
In the meantime YWAM Medical Ships Australia’s operation from Townsville continues to grow in influence, with a permanent base of operations “The Jetty” having been created in Port Moresby, other health and the Mobile dental trailer bringing dental relief and education to young people right across central province and beyond. https://ywamships.org/