The following is the text of two statements issued by Washburn & Doughty Associates Inc. after fire destroyed the East Boothbay, Maine, boatyard July 11:
Dear friends,
The devastating events of last Friday have left us shocked and deeply saddened.
We are extremely thankful for the safety of our employees, the residents and visitors of East Boothbay and all the brave emergency personnel who worked heroically to fight the massive blaze at Washburn & Doughty.
The Shipyard is truly indebted to the professional skill and vast experience of the Boothbay Fire Department and all the numerous other Fire Departments who responded. They did all they could to fight the fire, and in so doing, save the surrounding homes and community.
Now we begin the challenge of restoring Washburn & Doughty to its full operation as quickly as possible.
Work will resume immediately on the vessels and component structures that were unaffected by the fire. We will also work to assist the Fire Marshal and Traveler’s Insurance Company in their investigations in order to expedite the clean-up operation.
We are so grateful for the loyal support of the employees of Washburn & Doughty, our customers, the community, our vendors, and friends throughout the country. We assure all of you that we will do everything in our power to rebuild the Company and continue to maintain the quality shipyard that has been ongoing since 1977.
Bruce H. Doughty, President
Bruce Washburn,Vice President
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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.
The state unemployment funds are expected to help some workers and other expenses may be covered by insurance. As neighbors and friends of Washburn & Doughty we want to help too. Helping our friends at Washburn & Doughty, who have been so supportive of our Boat Builder’s Festival, goes along with our efforts to support the region’s working waterfront.
While executives work to rebuild, many of the craftsmen who produced the world’s finest tugboats in East Boothbay will be in a transition phase. Many worked with their own tools and will not be able to get another job without them.
“Our neighbors suffered a great loss. We can help. It’s the right thing to do,” said Julie Lamy, the BRLT executive director.
Those who wish to help are asked to send contributions to the Washburn & Doughty Employee Fund, in care of First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Bath, P.O. Box 26, Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538.
