Huge boat topples at Scots dock sparking major emergency ‘leaving 10 injured and 2 missing’
A HUGE ship has toppled over at a Scots dock sparking a major emergency incident.
Police, ambulances and the fire service were called to a report that a ship had become dislodged from its holding at Imperial Dock in Leith at around 8.35am on Wednesday.
The research vessel appears to have tilted at a ’45 degree’ angle due to heavy winds.
The ship, RV Petrel, is a research vessel owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
It is understood that two of the crew are missing with at least ‘ten people’ injured.
A source said: “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.”
Emergency services are currently at the incident with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirming three appliances at the scene.
Air and ground support are currently at the scene.
It is not known if anyone has been injured.
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.”
Officers have asked the public to avoid the area to allow the emergency services access to the scene.
A Police Scotland spokesperson: “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, 22 March, 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.”
More to follow.