Multiple injuries after high winds tip ship over in Edinburgh dry dock
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Research vessel Petrel was left listing at a 45-degree angle at the Imperial Dock in Leith district, in the Scottish capital.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
EDINBURGH – Twenty-one people were taken to hospital and 12 others were treated for injuries on the quayside on Wednesday after a ship tipped over in high winds at a dry dock in the Scottish capital.
Research vessel Petrel was left listing at a 45-degree angle at the Imperial Dock in Leith district, in the north of Edinburgh.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said it took 21 patients to hospital and treated and discharged a further 12 at the scene after dispatching five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other units.
The local National Health Service provider said it was “on standby to receive a number of patients” at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary from the scene and urged others not to attend unless in an emergency.
The incident, which began at around 8.30am (4.30pm Singapore time), prompted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to mobilise four trucks and other equipment, a spokesman said.
Police Scotland confirmed its officers had also attended, and the coast guard agency said teams from three stations assisted at the “major incident”.
Local councillor Adam McVey described it as “terrifying” for those on board, tweeting that “strong winds” had dislodged the vessel.
The 76m-long Petrel was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, but is no longer owned by his estate, British media reported.
The ship is said to weigh 3,000 tonnes and has been at the dry dock since 2020, reports said.
Dales Marine Services, which operates the facility, said it had no comment to make. AFP
