March 22nd 2023
Thirty-three people injured after a ship tipped over at an Edinburgh dockyard
by BBC
The Scottish Ambulance Service said 21 people had been taken to hospital and 12 people were treated at the scene of the incident at Imperial Dock, Leith.
A major incident was declared after the research vessel Petrel became dislodged from its holding on a dry dock.
People have been asked not to attend A&E at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI) unless it is an emergency.
Pictures posted on social media show the 3,000-tonne vessel, which is owned by the US Navy, leaning at a 45-degree angle.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said it was called to the incident at 08:30.
A spokesperson said 15 patients were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, four to Western General Hospital and two to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
Another 10 people were treated and discharged at the scene.
The service said it sent five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, a special operations team, three paramedic response units and a patient transport vehicle to the scene.
The BBC understands that one person is in surgery in an operating theatre at ERI.
Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said: "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."
NHS Lothian has advised other people who require urgent care to contact their GP or call NHS 24.
Police Scotland urged the public to avoid the area to allow access for emergency services.
HM coastguard sent teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn to the scene as part of the multi-agency response.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent four fire engines and "a number of specialist resources".
The Health and Safety Executive said it was aware of the incident and was making inquiries.
The Sailors' Society said it was supporting people affected by the incident.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this morning's accident in Leith. Sadly many are seriously injured. We are supporting those we can."
Cammy Day, the leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said he was "deeply concerned" to hear of the incident.
"My thoughts are with all those affected and wish them a full and speedy recovery," he said.
"Our teams are supporting emergency services in whatever way they can. Please avoid the area to allow the response to continue."Leith councillor Adam McVey described the incident as "terrifying" for those on board.
He said on Twitter: "Emergency services are responding to a major incident at Leith docks - a ship has been dislodged from its holding in strong winds.
"My thoughts are with those who've been injured & hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area."
TO RECEIVE NEWS NOTIFICATIONS VIA WHATS APP PLEASE SAVE OUR NUMBER AND SEND US A MESSAGE AT 7584896261 AND WE WILL ADD YOU TO OUR LIST
