A total of 33 people were injured when a ship tipped over in a dry dock in Leith, Edinburgh, on Wednesday morning and 21 are in hospital, the Scottish Ambulance Service has confirmed. The huge boat was reportedly carrying 50 people when the ship toppled.
The Ambulance service deployed significant resources in the wake of the incident.
A statement from the Ambulance service stated: “We received a call at 0829 hours today to attend an incident in Leith. We dispatched 12 ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, our special operations team (SORT), three Paramedic Response Units (PRU) and three patient transport vehicles.
“We transported 21 patients to hospital; 15 to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, four to Western General Hospital and two to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. A further 12 patients were treated and discharged at the scene.”
A rescue operation has been launched at the Imperial Dock area in Leith.
The ship, a research vessel named RV Petrel, is owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
The Sun reports that two of the crew are missing with at least ten injured.
A source told the newspaper: “This is an extremely worrying situation.
“It’s been very windy since the early hours of this morning and normal operations had been put on hold until conditions eased.
“Ten crew members are injured and two have been reported missing.
“Those injured have suffered various injuries, but as far as I am aware, non are in a life-threatening condition.
“But everyone is very worried for the safety of those currently onboard.”
One witness on Twitter, Dan Walker, said: “Looks like a major incident in progress in Leith docks, multiple fire and ambulances on site ship in dry dock leaning at 45-degree angle.
“Air Ambulance in attendance now also.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed more than three crews are in attendance and the incident remains ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Officers and emergency service colleagues are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, whereby a ship on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding.
“Police were called to attend at around 8.35am on Wednesday and officers remain at the scene.
“The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.
Adam McVey, a local councillor, said that the ship was dislodged due to strong winds.
He tweeted: “Emergency services are responding to a major incident at Leith docks – a ship has been dislodged from its holding in strong winds.
“Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who’ve been injured & hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area.”
NHS Lothian has urged people not to attend A&E at Royal Infirmary hospital in Edinburgh to make space for the casualties, if any.
Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer of Acute Services at NHS Lothian said: “We are on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department following a major incident at Imperial Dock in Leith.
“We have been reviewing the current capacity at the RIE with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients.
“Given the expected pressure on the site, we urge people not to attend A&E at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh unless it’s an emergency.
“If you think you need urgent care, please contact your GP or call NHS 24 or 111 to seek advice.”
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