When the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest private hospital ship, provides its next field service in Cameroon, Africa, it will do so with a new dive boat and several new Mercury Marine outboard engines for the ship’s dive and rescue operations thanks to a recent donation from Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and its engine subsidiary, Mercury Marine.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that offers free life-changing surgeries, holistic health care and specialized training for local health care professionals in some of the world’s poorest areas.  The ship’s marine operations department recently took delivery of two, 25hp outboard engines to replace the engines on the ship’s rescue boats as well as an Ocean Runner 460 RIB, powered by a four-stroke 60hp Mercury Marine outboard.

Performance on the Africa Mercy’s rescue boat engines had dropped off, and it was time to replace them with more dependable engines.  In addition, the ship’s dive boat and engine were not providing the dependency needed for dive teams, who regularly inspect and clean the ship’s seawater handling systems. These donations will ensure the safe, and effective operations of both the rescue and dive boats.

“We are delighted to provide the RIB and engines to Mercy Ships, an organization that is giving hope to those in need around the world,” said Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Schwabero tio Yachting Art Magazine. “When someone’s life is on the line, having reliable engines and a dive boat is imperative.  We are thrilled to know that Mercy Ships will be able to continue to provide exemplary service to those in need along the African coast.”

“Since 1978, Mercy Ships has delivered needed health care and other services to more than 2.5 million people in some of the world’s most needy areas,” Schwabero added.  “We are more than pleased to help this valuable service continue along its humanitarian mission.”

“We are most grateful to the team at Brunswick for the donation of a new dive boat and outboards for our rescue boats, helping us to provide the utmost care to our next port – Cameroon. These donations will make a significant difference to the operations of the Africa Mercy,” stated Mercy Ships Captain John Borrow, of the Africa Mercy.