Emergency services are understood to be dealing with 'multiple casualties' after a boat tipped over in Leith Docks, Edinburgh Live has learnt.
Police, paramedics and firefighters rushed to the Imperial Dock area in Leith shortly before 9am on Wednesday, March 22. Multiple fire appliances, as well as air and ground support from the Scottish Ambulance Service are at the scene.
Worrying images from an eye-witness showed the large ship tilted at a 45-degree angle where it is positioned on a "dry dock." Edinburgh Live understands around 50 people were on the vessel with 'multiple casualties' reported. The severity of the injuries is currently being assessed though everyone is understood to be accounted for.
A witness said: "You could see the boat across the docks at a severe angle. There are ambulances lined up one. after another on the dockside with their lights on. I just hope everyone is ok."
READ MORE - Massive Edinburgh boat lurches in Leith Docks as rescue operation launched
Police have advised residents to stay away from the area as a massive rescue operation got underway. They confirmed officers are at the scene and coordinating the response. Edinburgh police tweeted: "We are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith as a boat on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding. Please avoid the area to allow emergency service access.
A major operation swung into action this morning with air ambulance support and the Scottish Fire and Rescue after the stricken ship was spotted at a sickening angle. Medics at Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary, meanwhile, are on standby to receive the casualties.
Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer of Acute Services at NHS Lothian, said:“We’re on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department following a major incident at Imperial Dock in Leith.
“We have been reviewing the current capacity at the RIE, with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients. 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.“If you think you need urgent care, please contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111 to seek advice. Thank you.”
One witness, Dan Walker, took to Twitter and added: "Looks like a major incident in progress in Leith docks, multiple fire and ambulances on site ship in dry dock leaning at 45 degree angle.
"Air Ambulance in attendance now also." A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed more than three crews are in attendance and the incident remains ongoing.
The Scottish Ambulance Service 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 (SORT), three Paramedic Response Units (PRU) and one patient transport vehicle.”
A Police Scotland spokesman 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, 22 March, 2023 and officers remain at the scene.
"The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access."
Leith councillor Adam McVey 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."
We'll bring you more information and updates on this breaking news story as we get it. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news, what's on, trending stories and sport.
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