Gov. John Baldacci toured the Washburn & Doughty shipyard today, pledging assistance from the state to help the company and its workers get back on their feet.

"I've never seen so much damage. It's just awful," Baldacci said as he looked over the charred remains of the yard. "First and foremost, we want to help the workers and make sure they are supported."

Baldacci said he would help the company in any way that he could in finding space, and he put a call out to any other area shipyards, asking that they employ any displaced workers that they could.

Washburn & Doughty temporarily laid off 65 workers Monday because there is not enough work for them while demolition work takes place at the fire site. About 35 workers are still at the shipyard, completing a tugboat that was not damaged by the fire.

The governor mingled with several dozen workers who were at the tour.

"Everybody's been through a lot," said office worker Kelley Preston. "These guys are great. It's sad we had to let some of them go, but hopefully they'll be back soon."

9:34 a.m.