THIRTY-three people were injured after 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.
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 ship, RV Petrel, is a research vessel which was previously owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen before being sold in 2022.
Pictures posted on social media show the vessel leaning at a 45-degree angle.
The Scottish Ambulance Service sent 12 ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene, while the fire service also attended.
NHS Lothian earlier said it was “on standby to receive a number of patients” at the A&E department at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary from the scene and urged others not to attend unless in an emergency.
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.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “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.”
James Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, encouraged people not to attend A&E unless it was “an emergency”.
Police have asked the public to avoid the area.
Reacting to the news, Lothians MSP Lorna Slater said the incident was “very concerning”.
She added: “I understand that around 25 people have been injured in some way, with around 15 of them now in hospital. My thoughts are with them and others impacted by what must have been a terrifying experience.
“Because of the nature of the incident there will clearly be a level of disruption for locals and for people travelling in and around the Leith area.
“I would ask people to exercise patience and where they can seek alternative routes to allow first responders and other agencies to go about their work.
“Our thanks go to the emergency services and other agencies who are working to deal with this and to assess the situation moving forward.”
Leith councillor Adam McVey added: “Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who’ve been injured and hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area.”
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. pic.twitter.com/aREtG80Gq1
— Cllr Adam McVey (@adamrmcvey) March 22, 2023
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 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.”
