Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac donates boats and engines to Harvey relief

 

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) – Mercury Marine, in an effort to help in the recovery mission in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, has donated multiple boats and engines to the affected areas. This week, Mercury deployed 30, 6hp outboard engines as well as 10 inflatable boats to be sent to the command center in Texas.

In addition, the company donated a 40hp outboard engine to Boots on the Ground, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and qualified civilians to provide in-field emergency and primary medical care.

The engine arrived in Oklahoma City within 24 hours. 

"We didn't have an engine yet, we spent three days trying to find an engine and we weren't having any success certainly at level we can afford. They stepped up and really made a difference," said James L. Clark with Boots on the Ground.

The BOTG has people in Houston and they plan on sending a swift water team to Texas on Friday. 

The state command center in Texas has also identified the scarcity of life jackets. In response, Mercury owned Land 'N' Sea has rushed 100 life jackets to Houston from some of its Shreveport, Louisiana warehouse. Mercury will continue to work with the local command center to help support the recovery effort.

This effort is part of a Brunswick Corporation wide effort that has involved contributing boats, equipment and materials from brands such as Boston Whaler Commercial Government Products, Lowe Boats and others.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” said John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine president. “There is a need for boats and engines in the recovery efforts and we will do whatever we can to help with those relief efforts.”