The health and religious unit is composed of five doctors, a pharmacist, a chaplain and 20 nurses. It is the first hospital ship of the Regia Marina.
[Former French merchant ship Helvetie of 1400 t built in 1854 purchased in 1860 to form the Sicilian dictatorial navy to be used for supplies to Garibaldi's troops. Its first important use as a hospital ship dates back to 18, 19 and 20 July 1866 in the battle of Lissa. It was always active in the rescue both at sea towards boats and on land in marine areas. In April 1876 it was armed as a hydrographic ship among whose commanders is also that of Giovanni Battista Magnaghi. Even during the period of employment as a hydrographic, it will not fail to show the propensity to rescue acts as in the case of the Ischia earthquake of September 1883. Used as a torpedo depot in La Spezia since 1897, it will be removed by decree of 25 July 1904]
Source: Military Navy
