Island Boats closes doors

Island Boats, New Iberia, La., closed its doors last week, leaving about 40 workers jobless.

The Daily Iberian quoted owner Miles Thomas as saying the company ceased operations as it tries to "work out contracts with a customer." He did not say whether the shut down was permanent.

Island Boats is a specialist in aluminum boats whose portfolio includes vessels such as catamaran ferries and cruise ship tenders. Its most recently listed contract is for a 168 ft crewboat for Southern States offshore.