Red Cross donates humanitarian ship to PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross has donated its humanitarian ship MV PRC Amazing Grace to the Philippine Coast Guard to help the PCG respond to emergency situations as well as promote safety in the country’s maritime domain.

The Amazing Grace was officially turned over to the PCG in a ceremony held yesterday at the Coast Guard Fleet parade ground at the South Harbor in Manila.

The PRC said the vessel would strengthen the PCG’s capability in conducting maritime search and rescue operations, law enforcement, safety and environmental protection.

“The vessel is in the best hands with the Philippine Coast Guard. With its trained personnel and a force of over 30,000, the PCG can ensure that the vessel operates efficiently, keeping it mission-ready at all times to serve the Filipino people,” PRC chairman Richard Gordon said in a statement.

As an archipelagic nation, the Philippines faces unique logistical challenges during disasters, the PRC said.

Gordon said he asked the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help the PRC acquire a vessel capable of rapidly transporting personnel, relief supplies and emergency units to isolated areas.

Formerly named Susitna, the Amazing Grace was built for the US Office of Naval Research to test advanced maritime capabilities.

The PRC acquired the 195-foot vessel in 2017 as a key asset for humanitarian missions, including transport of medical equipment and logistics, and conduct of sea rescue, mass evacuation, command post operations and training.