Raymarine has supplied navigation equipment including an autopilot with course computer, and a GPS receiver. Built in Norway in 1893 and originally designed to carry limestone across the North Sea, Vega is the oldest vessel partaking actively in the tsunami relief efforts.

Vega is a unique vessel, which travels the world providing communication support for third world public health and conservation programmes. Her crew comprises public health, environmental and marine conservation experts, all working for operations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

Their aim is to deliver important messages to people whose lives are affected by lack of education.

This includes child immunisation programs, and public health advice. The vintage ship is equipped with modern computers and printing facilities, enabling the crew to produce and disperse informative posters and brochures as they travel.

When the tsunami struck, Vega was in Malaysia, and began to immediately assist those in need.

The crew helped gather food and medical supplies from merchants and private donors, while also organising a two person medical team to be landed onshore in the stricken area.

Within days, the vessel set sail for Sumatra, delivering around 20 tons of food and medical supplies to cut off and isolated west coast villages. An emergency relief shelter, which became one of the first hospitals, was made from cloth sails donated from Vega 's sail locker.

Master of the vessel, Shane Granger said, 'The waters around Sumatra's northern tip are incredibly dangerous, with strong currents, rip tides and changing coastal profile, making navigation almost impossible.

On our last trip, the heavily laden ship took a severe beating.

The seas were fierce and the standing waves made it a terrifying experience, and the damage we sustained spelled the death of our autopilot and GPS unit. The return trip to base in Malaysia was by sextant and prayers, yet our spirits were still high. The crew were already calculating how to make the next trip without any electronics at all.'

With the support from Raymarine, Vega will be refitted with the important navigation equipment she requires to continue her vital support work.

MJInformation No: 21017