The Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, used asbestos for its affordability, ease of use, and resistance to heat and fire. The shipyard’s asbestos use led to workers developing life-threatening diseases years later. These included mesothelioma and lung cancer.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
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Did Defoe Shipbuilding Use Asbestos?
Like many other shipyards of the time, Defoe Shipbuilding Company used asbestos from about the 1930s through the 1970s. This was the peak period of asbestos use at shipyards throughout the U.S.
Shipyards used asbestos in hundreds of materials to build and repair ships. It was prized for its ability to insulate and protect against fire. Eventually, it became widely known that asbestos harms health and causes diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Defoe Shipbuilding Company History
Established in 1905 between a partnership by two brothers and their brother-in-law, Defoe Shipbuilding Company started under the name Defoe Boat and Motor Works.
The shipyard focused on building and repairing gasoline-fueled and knock-down vessels. The shipyard was conveniently located along the Saginaw River.
World War I and the Interwar Years
By 1917, Defoe Shipbuilding Company expanded after being given a contract by the United States Navy to build five Spent Tornado Chasers.
A year later, the shipbuilding company built eight Tumor Mine Planters for the Navy.
Throughout the next several years, until 1939, Defoe Shipbuilding Company built various commercial and government vessels, as well as private yachts.
World War II
When World War II began, the shipbuilding company’s focus was primarily on the war effort. The shipbuilding company created a total of 11 destroyer transports, 13 destroyer escorts, four Auk-class minesweepers, over 150 ships, a patrol craft, and a multitude of landing crafts.
Post-War Years
After World War II, Defoe Shipbuilding Company continued to build vessels, including two large Great Lakes bulk carriers. It also continued with vessel repairs, re-powering, and conversions.
The shipyard also constructed some famous yachts. These included the Barbara Anne for Dwight Eisenhower, the Honey Fitz for John F. Kennedy, and the Tricia for Richard Nixon.
The Defoe Shipbuilding Company closed in December 1976 after the Navy contracts expired due to dwindling business. The shipyard’s site is now used as a scrapyard.
How Did Defoe Shipbuilding Use Asbestos?
Defoe Shipbuilding was not alone in using asbestos. Shipyards once used asbestos in hundreds of materials and products that went into ships. They also used asbestos in buildings, equipment, and vehicles.
Some of the many asbestos products that went into ships built at Defoe and other shipyards include:
- Insulation
- Pipe lagging
- Valves
- Gaskets
- Seals
- Adhesives
- Boilers
- Pumps
How Did Asbestos Harm Workers at Defoe Shipbuilding?
Employers at Defoe knew about the dangers of asbestos as early as 1944. The U.S. Maritime Commission released a report on known risks of asbestos exposure in shipbuilding.
The report included recommendations for protective gear for workers handling asbestos. Asbestos is harmful because it sheds tiny fibers that can be easily inhaled. Once inside the body, asbestos fibers cause damage that can lead to illnesses later.
Most shipyards neglected to provide workers with the necessary safety gear to protect them from asbestos fibers. Some of the workers at Defoe most at risk of asbestos exposure worked directly with or handled asbestos materials:
- Insulation installers
- Repair workers
- Pipefitters
- Boiler workers
- Welders
- Electricians
Compensation for Defoe Shipbuilding Workers with Asbestos Illnesses
If you have an asbestos disease diagnosis or worked at Defoe, talk to a mesothelioma lawyer about your options. Mesothelioma is generally considered a personal injury because it is caused by negligent workplace exposure. This gives you two options to seek compensation:
- Mesothelioma lawsuit. Workers can sue asbestos companies that supplied the shipyard. Lawsuits often end in settlements for workers and rarely go to trial.
- Asbestos trust fund claim. Companies that filed for bankruptcy cannot be sued. These companies set up trust funds to compensate future claimants. A lawyer can determine if you are eligible for compensation from any of these trusts.
Additional Resources and Information for Asbestos
If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
