Defoe Shipbuilding Company

The Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, used asbestos for its affordability, ease of use, and resistance to heat and fire. The shipyards’ asbestos use led to workers developing life-threatening diseases years later.

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. 

Defoe Shipbuilding Company History

Established in 1905 between a partnership by two brothers and a 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.

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 a variety of commercial and government vessels, as well as private yachts.

When World War II began, the shipbuilding company’s focus was primarily 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.

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 closed in December 1976, after the Navy contracts expired and because of dwindling business. The shipyard’s site is now used as a scrapyard.

Asbestos Use at Defoe Shipbuilding

As early as 1944, the dangers of asbestos to health were reported by the U.S. Maritime Commission.

The danger of workers developing asbestosis was a concern, especially for those who worked on and installed pipes and those who worked in and around vessels.

The U.S. Maritime Commission created a report to warn shipbuilding companies of the dangers of asbestos. It recommended that workers use protective gear while working.

Many shipyards, in a rush, overlooked the dangers of asbestos due to the strict deadlines in getting vessels built.

Numerous asbestos subcontractors installed asbestos-containing products at Defoe, as well as most other shipyards, before the late 1970s. These subcontractors installed, in part, asbestos-containing insulation, pipes, and pipe coverings.

Breathing in Asbestos Fibers

Employees and contractors at Defoe Shipbuilding Company worked daily around asbestos products. The company did not always provide proper ventilation. They were constantly breathing in dust and asbestos fibers.

Employees, contractors, and subcontractors, in turn, began developing life-threatening illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Many of these workers who developed asbestos diseases filed asbestos-related claims and mesothelioma lawsuits against the manufacturers that provided the asbestos-containing products to the Defoe Shipbuilding Company.

If you have an asbestos disease diagnosis or worked at Defoe, talk to a mesothelioma lawyer about your options.

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.