Thirty-three people have been injured after a ship that was previously owned by the co-founder of Microsoft toppled over in a dry dock during high winds.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said 21 people were taken to hospital and 12 people were treated at the scene of the incident at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh.
A major incident was declared after research vessel Petrel became dislodged from its holding on a dry dock, with the 3,000-ton ship leaning at a 45-degree angle.
STV reported there were around 50 refurbishment workers on board and US citizens were involved. The ambulance service sent 12 ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene, while the fire service also attended.
In a statement, the service said 15 people were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI) for treatment, four to the Western General Hospital in the city and two to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
It did not disclose their conditions but it was reported that one person required surgery in an operating theatre at ERI.
The 76m (250ft) ship was bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen but is no longer owned by his estate.
He converted it into a deep submergence research vessel in 2017 and it was one of the few ships worldwide equipped to explore 6,000m (19,685ft) below the ocean’s surface.
It featured an autonomous underwater vehicle capable of reaching extreme depths, a remotely-operated vehicle for use once targets were identified and a multibeam echo-sounder.
The vessel had been used for deep water searches for shipwrecks and war graves at sea, including the lost Second World War heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, which was discovered 18,000 feet (5.5km) beneath the surface.
However, it was placed into long-term moorage in 2020 as a result of “operation challenges” during the Covid pandemic and had not been used since.
Adam McVey, a local councillor, said the ship became dislodged in strong winds and he described the incident as “terrifying” for those on board.
The Met Office said a wind speed of 38mph was recorded in Edinburgh at 8am, shortly before the emergency services were contacted, rising to 44mph at 9am.
Several workers on the docks told The Telegraph that they believed the high winds were the sole reason for the incident.
A source said: “It was windy last night into the early hours of the morning and that’s what’s happened here, it’s caused the boat to go up.”
Police Scotland urged the public to avoid the area to allow access for emergency services, while NHS Lothian asked them not to attend accident and emergency at the ERI unless it was an emergency.
HM coastguard sent teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn to the scene as part of the multi-agency response.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent four fire engines and “a number of specialist resources”. The Health and Safety Executive said it was aware of the incident and was making inquiries.
Cammy Day, the city council leader, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected and wish them a full and speedy recovery. Our teams are supporting emergency services in whatever way they can.”
A spokesman for Forth Ports said the incident happened at the facility of its tenant, Dales Marine Services.
He said: “We are providing Dales with any support we can today. We cannot comment any further as the incident response is being led by the emergency services. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident.”
Dales Marine Services,…
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