The family of a former Marine Engineer and Power Station Engineer are appealing for help from his former colleagues to understand more about the circumstances of his exposure to asbestos, which has been linked to the illness that sadly led to his death. 

In early 2022 Mr Jack Allen began experiencing shortness of breath and was admitted to hospital, where fluid was drained from his lung. Despite medical intervention, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he experienced significant weight loss. 

He was admitted to hospital again on 19 July 2022, where further investigations were carried out. A diagnosis of mesothelioma was confirmed – a cancer commonly linked to historic asbestos exposure, often occurring decades after the original contact. 

Sadly, Mr Allen passed away on 21 August 2022, aged 90. 

His family have now instructed industrial disease specialists at Thompsons Solicitors to investigate his working conditions in the hope of understanding the circumstances of his exposure to asbestos, and whether more could have been done to protect him. 

During his career, Mr Allen held a number of senior engineering roles across the marine and energy industries, having started his working life in the Merchant Navy, rising from 9th Engineer to 2nd Engineer with Canadian Pacific Steamships Ltd between 1952 and 1963/64.  

Around 1969/70 to 1970/71, he worked at the Lindsay Oil Refinery, before going on to serve as a 2nd Engineer with Imperial Oil Limited from 1971 to 1977. 

Based in Grimsby during the mid-to-late 1960s, he was employed by Simon Carves at West Burton Power Station, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, between 1965 and 1970. There, he held the positions of Commission and Operations Engineer, later progressing to Shift Charge Engineer. 

Paul Corrin, of Thompsons Solicitors, is leading the legal investigation and is appealing for anyone who worked alongside Mr Allen – either at sea or on land – to come forward.  

While asbestos exposure in ship engine rooms and power stations is well documented, Mr Allen’s family are particularly interested in gathering evidence about the specific tasks and conditions involved in his role at West Burton Power Station. 

Paul Corrin said: “This is understandably a very difficult time for Mr Allen’s family, who are still coming to terms with their loss while trying to understand how he was exposed to asbestos. 

“We know asbestos was widely used across both marine engineering and power generation during that period, and we’re keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside him at any stage of his career. In particular, we are seeking information from those with first-hand knowledge of working conditions at West Burton Power Station between 1965 and 1970, especially in relation to the commissioning and operation of steam turbine generators.” 

Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact Paul Corrin at Thompsons Solicitors on 0113 367 7423, or via email at PaulCorrin@thompsons.law.