Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS ABNER DD 526 READ DESTROYER

USS Abner Read (DD-526) was a Fletcher-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy and it was named after Lieutenant Commander Abner Read. The destroyer was launched on 18th August 1942 and commissioned on 5th February 1943, Commander T. Burrowes in command. Abner Read joined Task force 16 and began patrolling waters around Kiska Island. There she took part in heavy bombardment of Kiska, in support of landing operations on that island. In the hope of turning back the American invasion, the Japanese struck back fiercely with sea and air power. On 1st November 1944, the Japanese launched kamikaze attacks on members of Task Force 77.1, which Abner Read was a part of. A Japanese plane burst into flames and crashed toward the destroyer. A bomb from the raider dropped down one of the destroyer's stacks and exploded in her after engine room. The ship lost water pressure and this made firefighting efforts impossible. A tremendous internal explosion occurred, causing her to start sinking by the stern. Abner Read rolled over on her starboard side and sank, but destroyers quickly came to the aid of survivors and rescued all but twenty two members of Abner Read's crew. The ship earned four battle stars for her World War II service. Her main characteristics were:

  • Weight 2050 tons
  • Length 376 feet and 6 inches
  • Speed 35 knots
  • Propulsion developed 60 000 horse power
  • Complement of 336 officers and crew

Asbestos on the USS Abner Read Caused Diseases

The USS Abner Read was built using the most modern technology available at the time, but even so, the need of using asbestos materials remained and that is why she was a part of the so called “asbestos destroyers”. These materials were easily damageable, so they created a dangerous environment for the officers and the crew on board. The inhalation or swallowing of these fibers and asbestos particles could lead to very harmful diseases and serious health problems.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Abner Read? Contact an attorney!

If you or someone you know came in contact with asbestos on the cruiser, it is important that you know that the law is on your side in this case. After a visit to the doctor and with your diagnosis sheet, you can contact a specialized asbestos attorney. The lawyer will examine your case and file a claim in your name, and you could receive compensation. This will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best treatment possible.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos expert at any point for further information regarding legal aspects. This is completely free.