Airboats Urgently Needed In Louisiana, Mississippi

"The State of Louisiana's Department of Emergency Management has requested 300 airboats and swamp buggies to assist in high-water rescue from Hurricane Katrina. Search-and-rescue, law enforcement patrols and recovery are part of this mission.

"Those responding can expect 10 days of 18-hour shifts, initially under adverse conditions. Each boat and operator must be able to carry an ample supply of fuel, food, drinking water and personal hygiene items.

"Consideration should be given to navigational equipment including GPS, maps, two-way radio communication and lights for night operation. Any group traveling into the affected areas must be self-sufficient." ...