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Twenty-five people injured after huge 250ft ship toppled onto its side by strong winds in Edinburgh

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A huge 250ft ship previously owned by the estate of Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen has been toppled over by strong winds in Edinburgh.

Police, ambulances and the fire service rushed to Imperial Dock in Leith after the huge research vessel RV Petrel, which was used to find historic shipwrecks, was blown from its holding this morning. 

Twenty-five people have been confirmed to have been injured, according to Scottish Ambulance, as fifteen were taken to hospital and 10 were treated and discharged at the scene.

Images posted on social media show the vessel leaning at a 45-degree angle. 

A spokesperson for NHS Lothian has confirmed that they are ‘on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department’ after emergency services were seen pushing a stretcher with a person lying on it.

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent five ambulances, an air ambulance and three trauma teams. The coastguard also sent teams to the scene

The incident occurred around 8.35am on Wednesday. Images posted on social media show the vessel leaning at a 45-degree angle

The incident occurred around 8.35am on Wednesday. Images posted on social media show the vessel leaning at a 45-degree angle

The ship, RV Petrel, is a research vessel previously owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. RV Petrel was placed into long-term moorage at Leith in 2020

The ship, RV Petrel, is a research vessel previously owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. RV Petrel was placed into long-term moorage at Leith in 2020

A spokesperson for NHS Lothian has confirmed that they are 'on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh's A&E department'

A spokesperson for NHS Lothian has confirmed that they are ‘on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department’ 

RV Petrel is named after the sea bird petrel. The ship became dislodged on the dry dock from its holding

RV Petrel is named after the sea bird petrel. The ship became dislodged on the dry dock from its holding

The ship before it toppled over. Leith councillor Adam McVey said the ship became dislodged in strong winds and he described the incident as 'terrifying' for those on board

The ship before it toppled over. Leith councillor Adam McVey said the ship became dislodged in strong winds and he described the incident as ‘terrifying’ for those on board

Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access. 

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A Scottish Ambulance Spokesperson 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.

‘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.’

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.’

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Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: ‘HM Coastguard is currently assisting Police Scotland in responding to a major incident at Imperial Dry Dock in Edinburgh.  

‘At around 9.30am, March 22, 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.’

A Police Scotland spokeswoman 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 and officers remain at the scene. 

‘The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.’ 

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. 

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‘Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who’ve been injured & hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area.’ 

According to the Sun, a source spoke out about the ‘extremely worrying situation’.

They said: ‘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.’

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'

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’

Emergency services at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, where the ship became dislodged from its holding and is partially toppled over

Emergency services at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, where the ship became dislodged from its holding and is partially toppled over

Emergency services at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access

Emergency services at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access

Who was Paul Allen? 

Paul Gardner Allen was an American business magnate, computer programmer, researcher, investor, and philanthropist.

He co-founded Microsoft Corporation with childhood friend Bill Gates in 1975.

Tragically, he passed away in October 2018.

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RV Petrel is a research vessel that was owned by Allen, which is dedicated to exploring the ocean depths. it was famous for locating numerous wrecks – including USS Indianapolis, Wasp and Hornet.

The ship – which has been moored in Leith since 2020 – is named after the sea bird petrel.

Allen’s estate sold the boat last year.

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.’ 

Meanwhile, 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.

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‘Crews currently remain in attendance.’

The coastguard also sent teams to the scene this morning. 

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.’ 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day has also commented on the incident.

Mr Day said: ‘I’m deeply concerned to hear of the ongoing incident at Imperial Dock in Leith. 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. Please avoid the area to allow the response to continue.’

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Dales Marine Services, which runs the dry dock, said it had no comment. 

Source: Daily Mail

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