Rebecca Gomperts(above) is the most unusual doctor at sea today. On her ship, in neutral waters, she offers safe abortions (and contraceptive advice) for desperate women who have no legal alternative. See the website, www.womenonwaves.org.
It's another - and small, and woman-focused - version of the huge Mercy ships that offer health care off the coasts of underdeveloped countries. Volunteer doctors and nurses give months of their lives for such charity work.
Diana Whitten's documentary about Gomperts, Vessel, has just (March 7) had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas.
You can see a clip at
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sxsw-video-vessel-follows-activist-686347.
This still picture from it shows a crew member in negotiation with coastguards.
