Dozens were injured yesterday after the RV Petrel research ship, formerly known as Subsea 7’s Seven Petrel, toppled while in a dry dock in Edinburgh.
A major rescue operation was launched at Imperial Dock in Leith as ambulances, fire crews and the police rushed to the scene.
The Scottish Ambulance Service sent five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene.
A total of 33 people were injured, 21 one of which required hospital treatment – the rest were treated at the scene.
The vessel pitched to the right-hand side and pictures show the RV Petrel sitting at a 45-degree angle with the dock.
© Supplied by PANow owned by tech giant Microsoft, the ship formerly known as the Seven Petrel was built in 2003.
Formerly a subsea vessel, the ship is now used for research purposes.
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.”
© Supplied by PALeith 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.”
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.”