Switzerland
The Africa Mercy on a stamp
05.11.09- To commemorate the important role of this ferry played in the past, Denmark issued an illustrative postage.
The Africa Mercy, formerly known as the Dronning Ingrid, on a Danish stamp!
The Danish stamp
Today the Africa Mercy is the world’s largest floating hospital outside the military sphere. But before serving some of the world’s poorest people, the Dronning Ingrid (as it was known before) ferried people, cars and trains between the various islands and peninsulas of Denmark. Over time more bridges were built to interconnect the country and the three train-ferries in service in Denmark were gradually decommissioned. To commemorate the important role these ships played in the past, Denmark issued an illustrative postage stamp. The picture on the stamp happens to show the Dronning Ingrid as it was then.
Today the onboard hospital is equipped six operating theatres, an ICU unit, laboratories, x-ray facilities and hospital beds for 78 patients. The ship has 126 cabins and can accommodate up to 484 crew, including families, couples and singles. A school for all ages up to the final year, a library, a laundrette, a small supermarket, a post office, an Internet café and even a Starbucks café… kindly donated by the company!
Though no longer ferrying trains, passengers and mail, the Africa Mercy continues its deliveries. But this time it is your donations that are being dispensed, through life-changing medical operations.
