August 15, 2008 was a milestone for Washburn & Doughty as the LINDA MORAN left the shipyard. LINDA MORAN is the first vessel delivered by the shipyard since a fire on July 11, 2008 destroyed the company's main construction building.
The LINDA MORAN was tied to the company's barge when the fire broke out. Thankfully, due to light winds and local lobstermen who towed the vessel away from the barge, the LINDA MORAN survived undamaged.
The Town of Boothbay has instituted an account for the shipyard workers to help them through this challenging period. To contribute, make checks payable to:
"Town of Boothbay," with the memo line designating that the contribution is for the "W & D Fund." Drop them off at the Town Office, or mail to P.O. Box 106, Boothbay, ME 04537. Questions should be directed to Marian Anderson at 633-2192 or 380-7281.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2008, the first truckload of debris, created by the July 11th fire that destroyed Washburn & Doughty Shipyard’s building, left the facility. By Friday, a massive excavator had created a wide path from the parking lot to the dock. Washburn & Doughty is still waiting for Traveler’s Insurance to complete its inspection and fully release the property. When released, it is estimated that debris removal will be completed within a week.
As part of the tradition of Maine neighbors helping neighbors,
the Boothbay Region Land Trust has opened a special fund to aid the Washburn & Doughty workers. The Washburn & Doughty Employee Fund has been set up to help pay transition and other expenses for the workers whose jobs - and vital tools
- went up in smoke in the tragic East Boothbay fire last Friday.