Ship once owned by Microsoft co-founder tips on its side at 45 degree angle
Emergency crews have rushed to a dock in Edinburgh after a huge ship tipped over at a ’45-degree angle’.
Crews were called to reports that a ship had become dislodged from its holding in the Imperial Dock area in Leith shortly at around 8.35am.
Multiple fire engines, as well as air and ground support from the Scottish Ambulance Services are at the scene.
It is not known if anyone was injured and people have been told to avoid the area.
It has been reported the 75m ship was formerly owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and was placed into long-term moorage in 2020 as a result of ‘operation challenges’ during the Covid pandemic.
The estate for Paul Allen confirmed to Metro.co.uk that the ship was sold by the estate last year.
A spokesperson said: ‘The vessel is no longer owned by the Estate of Paul G. Allen; it was sold last year.’
Before that, it was used to carry out deep sea searches for ship wrecks and war graves at sea.
Edinburgh Councillor Adam McVey said that the ship had been dislodged from its holdings 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.’
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, March 22, 2023 and officers remain at the scene.
‘The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.’
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received a call at 0829 hours 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.’
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.’
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