🎣 Fishing Vessels – Asbestos Exposure
Commercial Fishing Boats, Trawlers, Crabbers, and Processing Ships Built Before the 1980s
For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used extensively in fishing vessels—particularly those operating in cold and rugged waters like Alaska, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. These boats required heat-resistant, fireproof, and durable materials to operate safely in harsh environments. Unfortunately, this meant that crews, dock workers, and shipyard personnel were often exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers during routine work and repairs.
⚠️ What You’ll Learn From This Page
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How asbestos was used on commercial fishing boats and processing vessels
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Common jobs with high exposure risks aboard trawlers, crabbers, and packers
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Legal compensation options for those diagnosed decades later
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Where asbestos was located and how it endangered workers
🛠️ Where Asbestos Was Found on Fishing Vessels
| Vessel Area | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|
| Engine Rooms | Boiler insulation, exhaust covers, gasket material |
| Deck Equipment | Winch brake pads, friction parts, piping insulation |
| Refrigeration Units | Asbestos-wrapped chill lines, compressor insulation |
| Crew Quarters | Wallboard, ceiling panels, linoleum flooring with asbestos backing |
| Galley (Kitchen Areas) | Stove shields, oven linings, fireproof barriers |
🚢 Types of Fishing Vessels Affected
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Trawlers & Draggers – Deep sea fishing boats with powerful engines and deck machinery
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Crab Boats – Like those used in the Bering Sea; relied on asbestos brake and heat systems
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Longliners & Gillnetters – Often had asbestos in engine compartments and control cabins
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Factory Processing Ships – Contained asbestos throughout living, refrigeration, and processing zones
👷 High-Risk Jobs on Fishing Vessels
| Occupation | Risk Level | Exposure Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Engineers | High | Maintained insulated engines, boilers, and exhaust lines |
| Deckhands & Winchmen | High | Handled asbestos-laden brake pads and mechanical systems |
| Refrigeration Techs | Moderate | Repaired asbestos-lined cooling and freezing systems |
| Shipwrights & Fitters | High | Removed gaskets, panels, and pipe wraps during retrofits |
| Galley Workers | Moderate | Lived and worked around asbestos in flooring and insulation |
📊 Estimated Exposure from Fishing Vessels
| Group | Estimated Individuals Affected |
|---|---|
| Commercial Fishermen | 38,000+ |
| Deck & Equipment Crews | 26,000+ |
| Marine Engineers | 15,000+ |
| Shipyard Workers | 18,000+ |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 97,000 individuals.
🫁 Health Risks from Asbestos Exposure
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Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure
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Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease from scarred tissue
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Lung Cancer – Higher risk among exposed workers, even non-smokers
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Pleural Thickening – A symptom of long-term exposure
🧾 Sample Settlements for Fishing Vessel Workers
| Amount | Description |
|---|---|
| $1.1 million | Crab boat engineer exposed in engine room and exhaust repairs |
| $875,000 | Deckhand on New England trawler exposed to winch brake linings |
| $720,000 | Shipyard worker repairing factory processor with asbestos panels |
🏦 Trust Funds for Fishing Vessel Workers
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Over $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds
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You don’t need to remember brand names or ship models
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Diagnosis and work history are enough to file
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Most valid claims receive $500,000–$1.2 million+ in total compensation
📝 How to Qualify for Compensation
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Confirmed diagnosis of asbestos-related disease
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Must have worked aboard or repaired fishing vessels (especially pre-1983)
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Family members may also qualify for wrongful death claims
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Includes full-time, part-time, and temporary contract work
📞 Speak With a Maritime Legal Advocate Now
Call 800.291.0963 for a free case review.
Our legal team helps fishermen, deckhands, engineers, and their families pursue financial relief for asbestos-related illnesses.