[News] Multiple injuries after ship tips over at Edinburgh dockyard

[Blackfire]

 

Thirty-five people have been injured after a ship tipped over at an Edinburgh dockyard.

NHS Lothian said 23 people had been treated in hospital and 12 people at the scene of the incident at Imperial Dock, Leith.

A major incident was declared after the research vessel Petrel became dislodged from its holding on a dry dock.

People have been asked not to attend A&E at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI) unless it is an emergency.

Pictures posted on social media showed the 3,000-tonne vessel, which is owned by the US Navy, leaning at a 45-degree angle.

 

The US Consulate in Edinburgh said it was monitoring the situation and offering support to US citizens who were involved.

"We thank the emergency services for their prompt response. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident," it added

 

The Scottish Ambulance Service said it was called at 08:30.

Five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, a special operations team, three paramedic response units and a patient transport vehicle were sent to the scene.

NHS Lothian said 15 patients were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance with another two attending themselves, four to Western General Hospital and two to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

Another 12 people were treated and discharged at the scene.

A spokesperson for NHS Lothian said eight were still in the Royal Infirmary, some with "serious injuries", and outpatient appointments, endoscopies and planned surgeries had been cancelled to "free-up our surgical staff".

Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said: "There are no plans at this time to postpone appointments or elective procedures tomorrow, but assessments continue and patients will be contacted directly if the situation changes

 

NHS Lothian has advised other people who require urgent care to contact their GP or call NHS 24.

Police Scotland urged the public to avoid the area to allow access for emergency services.

Supt Mark Rennie said all casualties had been accounted for by 13:20.

He explained: "There is no risk to the wider public and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.

"I would also like to thank the public for their patience while the emergency services undertook a very difficult job aiding casualties."

HM coastguard sent teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn to the scene as part of the multi-agency response.

 

 

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.

Sailors' Society Chaplain Pauline Robertson told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime she had been listening to port staff who had witnessed the incident or were dealing with the aftermath.

She said: "I think like everybody that has witnessed it or heard about it today, we're all just in shock and horror at the tragedy that just unfolded in front of us.

"There is shock, horror, pain - every emotion you can imagine is being shown by staff. "

The Sailors' Society also said it was supporting people affected by the incident.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this morning's accident in Leith. Sadly many are seriously injured. We are supporting those we can."

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65038617