Caddell Dry Dock – New York
Caddell Dry Dock, formed by John Caddell in 1903, is the oldest operating shipyard in New York Harbor. Caddell Dry Dock has six dry docks and 150 full-time employees. Unfortunately, Caddell Dry Dock employees were exposed to asbestos, a toxic mineral, causing them to develop severe and fatal diseases.
Caddell Dry Dock History
In 1903, John Caddell, Eugene Schuyler, and John Payne created a shipyard business called Schuyler, Payne, & Caddell Repair Company. The single dry dock shipyard was located in the Red Hook district of Brooklyn, New York.
In 1914, John Caddell purchased complete ownership and changed the name to Caddell Dry Dock & Repair. A year later, Caddell Dry Dock purchased a second dry dock and moved to its current location in New York Harbor. Caddell Dry Dock’s shipyard business flourished as they attracted many powerful clients including ExxonMobil. Caddell Dry Dock’s strong reputation and the oil transportation boom in New York Harbor, allowed Caddell Dry Dock to prosper during the Great Depression.
During the Second World War, Caddell Dry Dock repaired warships and commercial vessels for the U.S. Navy.
Caddell Dry Dock Today
Currently, Caddell Dry Dock has six dry docks servicing over 300 ships a year. The dry dock’s capacity range from 1,000 to 6,500 tons.
Caddell Dry Dock’s employees repair all vessel types including:
- Deep-sea fishing boats
- Excursion boats
- Motor tankers
The company continues to operate today and has gained distinction for working with non-profit organizations that restore historic vessels.
Asbestos at Caddell Dry Dock
Most ships and ship products contain asbestos, a toxic fibrous mineral. Asbestos’s fire and water resistant properties make it an ideal material in the ships construction. Asbestos inhalation, however, is linked to several severe and fatal diseases including:
- Mesothelioma (a rare cancer that affects the lung’s inner lining)
- Asbestosis (lung tissue scarring)
- Lung cancer
- Esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum cancer
Caddell Dry Dock’s employees were exposed to high asbestos levels when repairing asbestos containing ship components. Toxic asbestos fibers become airborne and inhaled when it is manipulated or disturbed. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, it remains lodged in the lungs and can lead to severe diseases that may develop up to 40 years later. Most Caddell Dry Dock workers were unaware of asbestos dangers so they did not wear protective clothing or respiratory equipment.
Injured at Caddell Dry Dock – New York
If you or a loved one has been injured from working at Caddell Dry Dock, please contact us today as you may be entitled to compensation.