Mercy Ships Cargo Day 2018 has so far raised well over $700,000 for the hospital ship charity — beating last year’s total.

The figure could rise further, providing vital funds for the many thousands of surgical and other procedures carried out by the staff of the 16,572-gt Africa Mercy (built 1980), currently on field service in Guinea, West Africa.

The former Danish ferry Dronning Ingrid (built 1980), which was converted into its current vessel, the Africa Mercy Photo: Mercy Ships

At the last count, a new record of $717,642 had been raised, exceeding the $672,000 in 2017.