33 people injured after ship partially tips over in Leith
21 people were taken to hospital and 12 were treated and discharged at the scene
Last updated 22nd Mar 2023
Thirty-three people were injured when a ship tipped over while in a dry dock.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said 21 people were taken to hospital following the incident in Leith, Edinburgh, while a further 12 were treated and discharged at the scene on Wednesday morning.
The ambulance service said 15 patients were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, four to Western General Hospital and two to Victoria Hospital.
READ MORE: Emergency services at scene after ship topples in Leith dock
Police, ambulances and the fire service were called to a report that a ship had become dislodged from its holding at Imperial Dock at around 8.35am.
The ambulance service sent five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene.
The 76m (250ft) Petrel, a research vessel, was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen but is no longer owned by his estate.
A wind speed of 38mph was recorded in Edinburgh at 8am on Wednesday, while a 44mph gust was recorded at 9am, according to Met Office data.
WATCH: Air ambulance takes off from the scene
A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "We received a call at 0829 hours today to attend an incident in Leith.
"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 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."
Leith councillor Adam McVey said the ship became dislodged in strong winds and he described the incident as "terrifying" for those on board.
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."
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were alerted at 8.43am on Wednesday to reports of an incident at Imperial Dock, Leith, Edinburgh.
"Operations control mobilised four appliances and a number of specialist resources.
"Crews currently remain in attendance."
The Coastguard also sent teams to the scene.
A spokesman said: "HM Coastguard is currently assisting Police Scotland in responding to a major incident at Imperial Dry Dock in Edinburgh.
"At around 9.30am, Coastguard rescue teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn were sent to the scene.
"This is a multi-agency response, with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue also in attendance."
Dales Marine Services, which runs the dry dock, said it had no comment.
Edinburgh City Council said: "The emergency response is continuing at Imperial Dock in Leith. Please continue to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to do their job."
NHS Lothian urges people not to attend A&E
The health board is warning people to avoid A&E department, as they expect an influx of patients from the incident.
Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer of Acute Services at NHS Lothian, said: “We’re 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 on 111 to seek advice. Thank you.”