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Thirty-three injured with 21 in hospital after large ship dislodges in Edinburgh dry dock sparking 'major incident'

A total of 33 people have been injured after a ship dislodged in a dry dock in Edinburgh, the Scottish Ambulance Service has said.

Twenty-one people were taken to hospital and 12 were treated and discharged at the scene.

A major rescue operation was launched at Imperial Dock in Leith after the vessel lurched towards its right-hand side.

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene, while the fire service and police also attended after being alerted at 8.35am.

Pictures show the Petrel, a research vessel, leaning at a 45-degree angle.

Chaplain of the port, Pauline Robertson, from the Sailors Society, told Sky News that workers were left in "complete disbelief" by the incident.

"People were shocked and stunned, slightly dazed," she said.

"There was a lot of repeating of 'what have I just witnessed?' and trying to make sense of it because it is just not something you see.

"The staff that had been on the vessel shared with me their shock, their complete disbelief that this had happened, but also the fact that they had got off that vessel as walking wounded because many of their colleagues and other staff that were on it didn't and had to go to hospital for medical treatment."

She added: "I think they were just relieved to be sitting in the warehouse."

The Petrel was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, but is no longer owned by his estate.

A wind speed of 38mph was recorded in Edinburgh at 8am on Wednesday, while a 44mph gust was recorded at 9am, according to Met Office data.

'Terrifying'

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.

"Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who've been injured and hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Officers were called around 8.35am on Wednesday following a report of a ship becoming dislodged from its dry dock in Edinburgh.

"Emergency services attended at the location at Imperial Dock, Leith, and a multi-agency response was co-ordinated by Police Scotland.

"The Scottish Ambulance Service took 15 people to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, four to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and two to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

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The coastguard also sent teams to the scene.

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."

Superintendent Mark Rennie, from Police Scotland, added: "I would like to thank partner agencies involved in the response to this incident which involved a complex operation to make sure everyone was safe.

"There is no risk to the wider public and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

"I would also like to thank the public for their patience while the emergency services undertook a very difficult job aiding casualties. We continue to ask people to avoid the area."

Officers remain at the scene as enquiries continue.

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