Leith Docks major incident: All emergency services present as ship tips towards dock at worrying angle

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A local SNP councillor has asked for the public to ‘please avoid the area’ as the ship tips towards a worrying angle at Leith Docks.

Emergency services have confirmed that 25 people have been ijured following a major incident at Leith Docks in Scotland. A ship in the Imperial Dock in Leith became dislodged from its holding due to high winds, and is now tipping towards the dock.

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Eye-witnesses claim the vessel, named ‘The Petrel’, is leaning at a 45-degree angle. The incident has required the attendance of fire crews, police, ambulances and the air ambulance, all of which are currently in attendance at the scene in Edinburgh.

A Police Scotland spokesperson 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, 22 March 2023 and officers remain at the scene. The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.”

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A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 8.29am 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.

“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.”

A ship is currently leaning towards the docks at a worrying angle in Leith, Edinburgh. Picture: @Tomafc83 on TwitterA ship is currently leaning towards the docks at a worrying angle in Leith, Edinburgh. Picture: @Tomafc83 on Twitter
A ship is currently leaning towards the docks at a worrying angle in Leith, Edinburgh. Picture: @Tomafc83 on Twitter

Local SNP Councillor for Leith, Adam McVey, said: “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 the area.”

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