PLA Navy, on humanitarian mission, visits Sierra Leone

The Chinese Navy's hospital ship Peace Ark is providing humanitarian medical services to the people of Sierra Leone during an ongoing port call in the West African nation, Chinese media reported.

The vessel arrived on Tuesday in Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital and largest city, which is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean. Medical personnel began examining and treating local residents immediately, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The visit marks the first time the ship has visited West Africa, Xinhua said.