Widow of ex shipyard work appeals for help

The widow of a former carpenter and joiner who died from a debilitating industrial illness caused by asbestos exposure is appealing to her husband’s ex colleagues for help to investigate how he was exposed to the deadly dust.

Reginald John Harris, known as John to his work colleagues, was diagnosed at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in March 2013 with asbestosis, a chronic, progressive inflammation of the lungs which leads to long-term breathing complications.

John was just 72 when he died and had been married to Marion for nearly 50 years.  Marion believes John’s condition may have been caused by exposure to asbestos during his time working at Husbands Shipyards, Cracknore Hard, Marchwood, Southampton from 1966 to 1973. The company was well known and famed for wooden military craft including minesweepers, and also yachts and fishing boats.

During John’s time at Husbands, he worked on many different vessels including super yachts such as the Simba and the QE2, where we worked in the state rooms which were undergoing refurbishment at the time. He also worked on the MV Lymington, the MV Brading as well as both the Sir Tristram and the Sir Galahad along with other vessels of this type.

In addition to the above ships, Reginald was also sent to work on oil tankers which were moored at Fawley Marine Terminal at the Refinery.

Marion has now instructed specialist asbestos disease lawyers at Novum Law to help investigate her husband’s working conditions at the Dockyard and to uncover more information on how he came to be exposed to asbestos dust there.

Andrew Walker, a solicitor at Novum Law specialising in asbestos disease cases, said: “Asbestosis is a debilitating lung disease which causes extensive scarring on the lungs. The condition causes chest pain and a significant decline in breathing function. While it is not as debilitating as other asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma, its impact can have a devastating effect on victims, leaving them extremely breathless and unable to lead the busy, active lives they once had.

“We hope that someone will come forward who can shed some light on the presence of asbestos at the Husbands Shipyards.  Perhaps they remember working alongside John or can recall asbestos being on board the ships he worked on.

“In order to gain justice for Marion, I would like to encourage anyone who might have any information to get in touch by calling me on 0845 160 3513 or emailing me at: awalker@novumlaw.com“