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Commercial Fisheries News
Volume 35 Number 12
August 2008
Fire destroys Washburn & Doughty
EAST BOOTHBAY, ME – The community of East Boothbay, ME was rocked by a fire and explosions that destroyed the landmark Washburn & Doughty shipyard on July 11.
Remarkably, no one was killed or even seriously injured in the inferno, which consumed the yard’s 50,000-square-foot production building, boats, and two tugboats under construction.
However, more than 60 of the yard’s 85 employees were put out of work, at least for the time being. A scaled-down crew was retained to help with cleanup and complete construction of a third tug that was salvageable.
According to officials and press reports, police and fire authorities began responding to the fire just before 9:30 am. About an hour later, the first of several large explosions sent smoke and flames skyrocketing into the air. With the assistance of first responders from many neighboring communities, the fire was brought under control later that afternoon.
The company was insured, and Maine Gov. John Baldacci pledged the state’s assistance to help put the shipyard, which is a major employer in the area, back in business.
“The fire has been devastating to this quality company, and we will do what we can to help them rebuild and reopen. They are a important part of our economy,” Baldacci said.
Tim Hodgdon of Hodgdon Yachts, which is located adjacent to Washburn & Doughty, immediately offered meeting space and other assistance. The town’s board of selectmen also authorized the use of space at Shipbuilder’s Park and the construction company Cianbro offered temporary office space there.
The cost of the fire damage initially was estimated to be around $30 million. /cfn/
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