The Pacific Swan was retired from service in 2004 but she lives on by way of a donation of key equipment to the Vine Trust Amazonferry Health Project, a British charity dedicated to providing medical treatment to street children in Peru.

Prior to moving to The Netherlands for recycling, two quick release life belt boxes and rings, ships searchlight and fittings, life jackets, inflatable life rafts and rings, lamps, radio equipment, and the bridge clinometer were removed from Pacific Swan. This equipment was fitted onto the Amazon Hope II, a small vessel converted by BAE Systems to provide free medical relief to communities on the Amazon River and its tributaries in Peru.

Amazon Hope II is fitted with a dental surgery, minor operating theatre and a pharmacy. It has accommodation for up to 24 people – and air conditioning. It will provide medical treatment to children in Peru who would otherwise receive no healthcare at all.

Alastair Brown, Operations Manager of British Nuclear Group International Transport, said: “By providing this maritime equipment, we have been able to give practical support to charity workers who are doing a wonderful job providing medical relief to poor disadvantaged children in an area of the world that is difficult to access.”

The Amazon Hope II has now completed a tour of the UK designed to thank supporters and will head for Peru in early 2006.

Photo Credit: AmazonFerry.com