Navy Tugboats (YTB) Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

For much of the 20th century, U.S. Navy tugboats (YTBs) were constructed with asbestos-containing materials in nearly every part of their compact design. These small but powerful vessels assisted larger ships in docking, towing, and rescue operations—and were packed with asbestos in their engines, insulation systems, and living quarters. Sailors, engineers, and shipyard workers serving aboard YTBs were unknowingly exposed to asbestos, resulting in life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Our legal team helps Navy tugboat veterans and their families pursue compensation through asbestos lawsuits, VA benefits, and trust fund claims—with no upfront fees and no interference with your VA rights.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Navy Tugboats (YTB)

Tugboats needed materials that could withstand intense heat, fire risks, and constant engine vibration. Asbestos was widely used for:

• Insulating diesel and steam propulsion systems

• Fireproofing control rooms, engine compartments, and fuel lines

• Protecting electrical panels in tight quarters

• Soundproofing crew areas and radio rooms

Due to the close proximity of all systems aboard tugboats, asbestos exposure was unavoidable for many crew members.

Tugboat Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

Most of these vessels were constructed with asbestos-laden materials in engine spaces, control rooms, and crew compartments.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Tugboats (YTB)

Navy tugboats featured asbestos in engine and boiler insulation, pipe coverings, and fireproofing materials. Tug crews often worked in confined spaces with heavy asbestos use.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 30,000 personnel served on asbestos-containing Navy tugboats, with notable exposure risks.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy Tugboats

Engine & Machinery Rooms

• Asbestos wrapped around diesel engines, exhaust lines, and piping

• Sailors were exposed during repairs, inspections, and routine engine operation

Wheelhouse & Control Stations

• Fireproofing in wall panels, insulation behind electrical panels

• Vibration and upgrades caused asbestos dust to settle on surfaces

Crew Quarters & Galleys

• Flooring tiles, adhesives, and pipe insulation contained asbestos

• Fibers circulated through air ducts into living and eating spaces

Electrical Rooms & Wiring Runs

• Wiring coated with asbestos-containing insulation

• Electricians exposed during replacements and modifications

Dry Dock Repairs

• Asbestos removed or disturbed during refits, repainting, or welding

• Both dock workers and crew faced exposure during maintenance periods

Navy Tugboat Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy Tugboats

🔥 Engine and Exhaust Insulation

Use: Wrapped around high-heat diesel exhausts and engines
Exposure: Wore down with vibration, releasing fibers into confined airspaces

🔧 Pipe Lagging and Elbow Wraps

Use: Covered fuel, steam, and water lines
Exposure: Repairs disturbed insulation and sent dust into air

🧱 Fireproof Wall and Bulkhead Panels

Use: Installed in control rooms and engine compartments
Exposure: Fibers released during mechanical updates or combat damage repair

⚙️ Gaskets & Packing

Use: Found in pumps, valves, and engine compartments
Exposure: Replaced frequently, releasing dry asbestos particles

🪵 Floor Tiles and Adhesives

Use: Asbestos-containing flooring in crew and galley areas
Exposure: Worn tiles released fibers over time, especially when cracked

🧯 Fire Gear and Blankets

Use: Woven asbestos gloves, mitts, and covers for fire response
Exposure: Used during drills and emergencies, shedding fibers

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Coated wiring and panels throughout the tug
Exposure: Electricians exposed during routine service and replacement

🎨 Adhesives, Sealants & Paints

Use: Used in seams, caulking, and painted surfaces
Exposure: Disturbed during scraping or paint removal

🌬️ Ventilation System Wraps

Use: Ducts and blowers lined with asbestos to prevent fires
Exposure: Aging insulation broke down, circulating fibers through the air

Long-Term Health Risks from Navy Tugboat Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma: Rare and fatal cancer of the lung or abdominal lining

• Asbestosis: Progressive lung damage from inhaled asbestos fibers

• Lung Cancer: Often develops years after service-related exposure

• Pleural Thickening: Lung lining thickens, making it harder to breathe

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• As early as the 1930s, the risks of asbestos were known to manufacturers

• Shipbuilders continued to use asbestos in tugboats without warnings

• Sailors and crew were never advised or given protective equipment

Lawsuits Filed by Navy Tugboat Veterans

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed by Navy veterans and families based on:

• Long-term exposure aboard asbestos-laden tugs

• Negligence by manufacturers who failed to warn about risks

• Fatal illnesses caused by daily work in enclosed engine rooms and compartments

• Wrongful death claims from family members of deceased crew

Navy Tugboat Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Owens Corning

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Eagle-Picher Industries

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Armstrong World Industries

• General Dynamics (contractor)

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies supplied asbestos-based materials used in the construction and repair of Navy tugboats.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• Over $30 billion in trust fund compensation still available

• Claims can be filed without going to court

• Most Navy tugboat veterans qualify for multiple trust payouts

• Filing trust fund claims does not affect VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy Tugboat Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for service-related asbestos illness

• Tax-free monthly compensation (over $3,800/month)

• Access to specialized VA mesothelioma treatment centers

• Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving families

• Legal and VA claims can be filed together for maximum recovery

Navy Tugboat Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your service aboard YTBs and medical history

2. Investigation
Obtain tug assignment logs, service records, and product exposure data

3. File Claims
Submit trust fund claims and/or lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases settle confidentially; no legal fees unless successful

Statute of Limitations

• Lawsuits must be filed within 2–3 years of diagnosis

• Wrongful death claims typically must be filed within 2–3 years

• Trust fund claims often remain available longer—don’t delay

Frequently Asked Questions (Navy Tugboat Exposure)

Q. Were tugboat crews warned about asbestos?
No. Most were never told about the risks, despite constant exposure.

Q. Can I file a legal claim if I receive VA benefits?
Yes. VA and legal claims are separate, and you can pursue both.

Q. Can family members of deceased veterans file?
Yes. Spouses and children can file wrongful death and trust fund claims.

Q. What is the average time to receive compensation?
Most claims are resolved in 6–18 months, depending on complexity.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years of experience with Navy asbestos claims

• Access to YTB ship schematics, logs, and exposure documentation

• Recovered millions for Navy tugboat veterans and families

• No upfront fees—you only pay if we win

• Handle trust fund and lawsuit claims together

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Tugboat Veterans

If you or a loved one served aboard a U.S. Navy YTB and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 now for your free, confidential case review.

We’ll investigate your exposure, gather your ship records, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.