Mercury Marine has joined with Sea Pro boat company to ship more than $200,000 in boats and engines to support rescue efforts in New Orleans, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"We wanted to do all we could to help, and we wanted to do it immediately," said Mercury Marine President Patrick Mackey. "This is truly a time of crisis that is difficult for most of us to comprehend. Many people need help, and this is an area in which we're qualified and capable of making a difference."

Mercury, the world's largest manufacturer of recreational marine engines, is shipping 10 inflatable boats with 4-stroke motors to New Orleans for general rescue and recovery efforts. Additionally, Mercury has supplied engines for five boats donated by Sea Pro. The inflatable boats with engines were donated by Mercury in response to a request from the Louisiana governor's office on behalf of ouisiana Fish and Wildlife.

Sea Pro, which is located in Newberry, S.C., was quick to respond with five shallow-draft skiffs that will specifically meet the needs of rescue and recovery efforts in New Orleans.

FS