A huge ship has blown over in high winds in Edinburgh, leaving at least thirty-three people injured in the “terrifying” incident.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, have been called to the scene after the vessel dislodged from its holding at Imperial Dock, Leith, at around 8.35am on Wednesday.
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.
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The ambulance service said 15 patients were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, four to Western General Hospital and two to Victoria Hospital.
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is urging the public to avoid attending A&E where possible, Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said earlier.
The 76m (250ft) Petrel, a research vessel, was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who died in 2018, but it is no longer owned by his estate as it was sold last year.
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.
Pictures posted on social media show the vessel leaning at a sharp angle. Leith councillor Adam McVey described the incident as “major” and “terrifying” for those on board.
A Police Scotland spokesperson 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.
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 and hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area.”
A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: “We received a call at 8.29am today to attend an incident in Leith.
“We have dispatched five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, our special operations team, three paramedic response units and one patient transport vehicle.
“We transported 15 patients to hospital; 11 to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and four to Western General Hospital. A further 10 patients were treated and discharged at the scene.”
The coastguard also sent teams to the scene.
A spokesperson 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 has confirmed that emergency services are still on site. It 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.”
People seeking urgent care are asked to contact their GP or NHS 24.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Met Office warned of heavy downpours and gales set to hit parts of the UK.
High-speed gusts were predicted to reach 75mph in parts of western Scotland, with spray and large waves expected along some of the western coasts.
It came as a yellow weather warning for wind had been issued from 4am until 1pm on Wednesday for most of Scotland.
