paul allen yacht edinburgh

RV Petrel: Story behind toppled Edinburgh ship, who owns her and why she's here

The late Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen's research vessel RV Petrel has been a world leader in marine archaeology in recent years, but has been stuck at Leith Docks since the early months of the Covid pandemic.

• 14:55, 22 MAR 2023
• Updated 08:52, 23 MAR 2023

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A major incident has been declared after the huge research vessel RV Petrel toppled over at Edinburgh's docks, leaving multiple people injured.

Shocking images of the incident, which occurred shortly before 9am on Wednesday morning, show the stricken 250ft ship tipped over to one side at the Imperial Dock in the Leith area of the city.

But what is the RV Petrel, who owns it and how long has it been in the capital? We take a closer look.

READ MORE: Major incident Edinburgh: 'Multiple casualties' and 50 on board as boat tips over at Leith Docks

What is RV Petrel and who owns her?

Launched in 2002, the Research Vessel (RV) Petrel's primary mission is to explore historically-significant ship wrecks at "challenging depths and conditions". It takes its name from the petrel, a tube-nosed seabird, known for its ability to skim just above the surface of the water.

The ship was previously owned by the estate of Microsoft cofounder, the late Paul G. Allen, who died in 2018.

The US Navy purchased the ship in September 2022 for a reported fee of $12.4 million (£10 million).

Allen, who was ranked as the 44th-wealthiest person in the world by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $20.3 billion (£16.6bn) at the time of his death, was known for his passion for military history and had made it his mission to fund a research vessel to uncover a fleet of shipwrecks from various different battle sites.

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Why is the ship important?

RV Petrel has had great success in this area in recent years, discovering the wrecks of an astonishing 30 sunken warships, including the USS Indianapolis, the ship that delivered the first atomic bomb components to Tinian Island base in 1945, and aircraft carrier the USS Hornet, which played a key role for the US after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

August 2015 saw Petrel's team commended by the UK Ministry of Defence after the research vessel played a vital role in the recovery of the bell of HMS Hood. The bell was unveiled the following May by the Princess Royal to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1941 sinking of the famous battlecruiser, which remains the Royal Navy's largest loss of life (1,415) from a single vessel.

In October 2019, Petrel's crew were credited with the discovery of another ship lost during the Second World War: the Fletcher-class destroyer the USS Johnston. Scattered more than 20,000 feet beneath the Philippine Sea, it's the deepest shipwreck discovery to date. To put this into context, the wreck of the RMS Titanic lies at a depth of 12,600 feet beneath the North Atlantic.

The ship's long list of major discoveries in the field of marine archaeology have led some to hail RV Petrel as one of history's most important research and exploration vessels, alongside Jacque Cousteau's Calypso and Captain Cook's legendary Endeavour.

What was RV Petrel doing in Edinburgh?

RV Petrel has been moored at Leith since September 3, 2020.

It was announced earlier that year that the ship would be moored indefinitely due to the "impact of the Covid-19 crisis". Subsea director Robert Kraft said at the time that he was "proud" of the ship's many successful missions and that there were hopes Petrel could one day return to service.

At the time of the ship's tipping incident on March 22, 2023, the RV Petrel was drydocking at Leith's Imperial Dock, Scotland's largest deep water impounded dock. It is unclear at this stage how significant the damage will be and what this means for RV Petrel's future.

Edit: We originally stated that RV Petrel is owned by the late Microsoft co-owner Paul Allen. This is no longer the case, as the US Navy purchased the ship in September of last year.

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Ship Owned by U.S. Navy Tips Over at Edinburgh Port, Injuring Dozens

A research vessel once owned by the Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen and now by the U.S. Navy became dislodged while docked. The cause of the accident was under investigation.

By Euan Ward

Reporting from London

A research ship owned by the U.S. Navy toppled onto its side while at dock in Edinburgh on Wednesday, leaving dozens of people injured.

The cause of the accident, which left the vessel tipped at a 45-degree angle, was under investigation, the police said. At least 33 people were injured, with 21 of them taken to hospitals, according to the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The 250-foot-long vessel, the Petrel, was bought by the Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen in 2016 and underwent extensive refitting to take part in expeditions to explore shipwrecks around the globe. In 2017, the Petrel was involved in the discovery, 18,000 feet beneath the Philippine Sea, of the remains of the U.S.S. Indianapolis , a cruiser that was sunk during World War II in one of the worst disasters in American naval history.

After Mr. Allen’s death in 2018, his estate took control of the Petrel. The ship was placed in long-term moorage in Edinburgh in 2020 because of “operational challenges” during the pandemic and was ultimately sold last year to the U.S. Navy, according to Mark Peterson, a vice president at Oceaneering International, the Texas-based sub-sea engineering company that currently operates the vessel.

“We are monitoring the situation at Imperial Dock in Edinburgh and offering support to U.S. citizens who were involved,” the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh said on Twitter . “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.”

The U.S. Consulate was not immediately available for comment on whether U.S. citizens were among the injured.

In a statement about the accident in Edinburgh on Wednesday, the police said, “A ship on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding,” without mentioning any cause. A spokesman added that an investigation had been opened.

After the ship toppled over, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, one of the city’s main hospitals, asked people to avoid attending its emergency room if possible because of the high number of injured people expected from what it described as a “major incident.”

Eight people remained in the hospital as of Wednesday evening, “some with serious injuries,” according to statement by the local National Health Service branch. Jacquie Campbell, a senior N.H.S. official in the area, said that it had canceled outpatient appointments and surgeries to free up the surgical staff.

Euan Ward is a reporter on the International desk and a 2022-2023 New York Times Fellow. He is based in London, and previously worked as a Middle East correspondent and investigative reporter in Beirut. More about Euan Ward

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Leith port accident: Dozens injured as huge ship topples over in dry dock during strong winds

Rv petrel, moored in leith imperial dock in edinburgh, was previously owned by estate of microsoft co-founder paul allen, article bookmarked.

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A huge ship has blown over in high winds in Edinburgh, leaving at least thirty-three people injured in the “terrifying” incident.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, have been called to the scene after the vessel dislodged from its holding at Imperial Dock, Leith, at around 8.35am on Wednesday.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said 21 people were taken to hospital following the incident in Leith, Edinburgh, while a further 12 were treated and discharged at the scene on Wednesday morning.

If you saw what happened, email [email protected]

The ambulance service said 15 patients were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, four to Western General Hospital and two to Victoria Hospital.

The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is urging the public to avoid attending A&E where possible, Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said earlier.

The 76m (250ft) Petrel , a research vessel, was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who died in 2018, but it is no longer owned by his estate as it was sold last year.

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.

Pictures posted on social media show the vessel leaning at a sharp angle. Leith councillor Adam McVey described the incident as “major” and “terrifying” for those on board.

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 and officers remain at the scene. The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.”

Leith councillor Adam McVey said the ship became dislodged in strong winds.

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 spokesperson for the ambulance service said: “We received a call at 8.29am 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.

“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.”

The coastguard also sent teams to the scene.

A spokesperson 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.”

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

Edinburgh City Council has confirmed that emergency services are still on site. It said: “The emergency response is continuing at Imperial Dock in Leith. Please continue to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to do their job.”

People seeking urgent care are asked to contact their GP or NHS 24.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Met Office warned of heavy downpours and gales set to hit parts of the UK.

High-speed gusts were predicted to reach 75mph in parts of western Scotland, with spray and large waves expected along some of the western coasts.

It came as a yellow weather warning for wind had been issued from 4am until 1pm on Wednesday for most of Scotland.

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Ship once owned by Microsoft’s Paul Allen tips over in Scotland dry dock, injuring 25

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A large ship tipped over while dry-docked in Scotland, injuring 25 people Wednesday, emergency workers said.

Police and emergency services were called to Edinburgh’s Imperial Dock after receiving reports that a ship had become dislodged from its holding.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said 15 people were taken to the hospital, while 10 others were treated and discharged at the scene. Local police urged the public to avoid the area to allow access for emergency services.

Photos from the scene showed the ship leaning to the side at a 45-degree angle. Adam McVey, a local official, tweeted that it became dislodged because of strong winds.

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The 250-feet long vessel, named the Petrel, was a research vessel previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The Petrel is equipped with deep-sea exploration technology and has led several high-profile missions to locate historic shipwrecks, including the discovery of the wreckage of the USS Indianapolis in 2017 in the Philippine Sea.

The BBC reported that the ship had been moored since 2020 because of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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By SuperyachtNews 22 Mar 2023

RV Petrel in major dry dock incident

Several injuries have been reported after high winds left the vessel at a 45-degree angle at imperial dock in leith….

RV Petrel, a 76m research vessel owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen appears to have been blown over in the hardstand at Imperial Dock in Leith after high winds in Edinburgh. Several injuries have been reported, with two crew members missing at this time. 

A spokesman for HM Coastguard 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.”

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.”

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 is asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access."

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Watch CBS News

Ship in Scotland tips over in dry dock, injuring more than two dozen people

By Frank Andrews

March 22, 2023 / 10:42 AM EDT / CBS News

London —  At least 25 people were injured Wednesday morning when a ship tipped over in a dry dock on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland. Fifteen people were taken to a local hospital and 10 others were treated for injuries at the scene, according to the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Emergency services were called to the Imperial Dock in the suburb of Leith at around 8:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. Eastern) after a research vessel named the Petrel listed 45 degrees to the right in the dock. Photos posted on social media showed the huge ship leaning against the wall of the dry dock.

Local politician Adam McVey said in a tweet that the ship had been "dislodged from its holding in strong winds," calling the incident "terrifying for those on board."

The Scottish Ambulance Service said it sent five ambulances, a helicopter and three trauma teams, along with other resources, to the dock. Firefighters and coastguard teams also helped.

The 250-foot Petrel was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, whose estate still owns the vessel .

Edinburgh Police said officers remained at the scene after the incident and they asked members of the public to avoid the area.

NHS Lothian , the regional wing of Britain's public health service, said it had declared a "major incident" and was "on standby to receive a number of patients" at Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary.

Dales Marine Services, which runs the dry dock, said in a tweet that it was "liaising with the emergency services" and couldn't offer any further comment on the incident.

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

Specialist trauma teams, ambulances, fire crews and police are on the scene with pictures posted on social media showing the vessel leaning at a 45-degree angle.

Scotland correspondent @ConnorGillies

Wednesday 22 March 2023 21:55, UK

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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.

Read more from Sky News: Failed bid to ban strip clubs ends with legal bill for taxpayers Scotland's nurses accept new pay offer The downfall of SNP power couple in just 150 days

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.

Paul Allen’s Deep Sea Research Vessel Topples Over in High Winds With 50 People on Board

The late Microsoft billionaire’s ship was in dry dock in Edinburgh, Scotland, when the accident happened.

Royalist Correspondent

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Fifteen people have been hospitalized after a huge research vessel owned by the estate of the late Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen toppled over in strong winds in a Scottish dry dock.

Up to 50 people were reportedly on board the RV Petrel , a deep sea research vessel, when the ship keeled over.

The Sun , citing the Scottish Ambulance Service, said that a total of 25 people were injured in the event, of which 15 went to hospital.

Some workers were intially reported to be missing, but reports say all crew have now been located.

The accident, which took place shortly before 9am local time, was classed as a major emergency by Scottish authorities, and paramedics, firefighters, and the coastguard all raced to the scene at Edinburgh’s Imperial Dock.

A source told The Sun : “This is an extremely worrying situation. It’s been very windy since the early hours of this morning, and normal operations had been put on hold until conditions eased.

“Those injured have suffered various injuries, but as far as I am aware, none are in a life-threatening condition. But everyone is very worried for the safety of those currently on board.”

Local councilor Adam McVey 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.”

The RV Petrel , named after a sea bird, is the only privately owned deep-sea research vessel and was equipped by Allen for the purpose of exploring historically significant shipwrecks. Its most famous discovery was the wreck of the USS Indianapolis in August 2017, found at a depth of 18,000 feet in the Philippine Sea.

Allen died of cancer-related septic shock in 2018 at the age of 65.

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250-foot ship owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen's estate tips over at Edinburgh, Scotland dockyard

Photos show rv petrel, previously used in deep-sea wreck discoveries, listing after being battered by strong winds in edinburgh.

Ship owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen's estate topples in Scottish dry dock

Twenty-five people were injured when a ship came off its holding and tipped on its side in a dry dock in Leith, Scotland, Wednesday, the Scottish Ambulance Service said, with 15 taken to hospital. (Reuters)

A research ship owned by the estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has tipped over at a dockyard in Scotland Wednesday, leaving at least 25 injured. 

The "terrifying" incident involving the RV Petrel outside of Edinburgh happened after it became "dislodged from its holding in strong winds," Scottish politician Adam McVey said. 

"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," Sailors’ Society, a Christian charity dedicated to supporting merchant seafarers, wrote on Facebook. 

Images showed the 250-foot ship tilted about 45 degrees to the side. 

ART WORKS FROM MICROSOFT FOUNDER PAUL ALLEN’S COLLECTION FETCH $1.6 BILLION  

Medical personnel are seen arriving following the incident Wednesday involving the RV Petrel ship near Edinburgh, Scotland. (@Tomafc83/LOCAL NEWS X/TMX)

The Petrel ship, which made global headlines for discovering the long-lost USS Indianapolis in 2017, among other deep-sea wrecks, was placed in long-term moorage in 2020 due to "operational challenges" from the coronavirus pandemic. 

"The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has changed the world for the long term in ways that we never could have imagined," read a post on the ship’s Facebook page in June that year. 

The toppled RV Petrel ship at Imperial dock in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 22. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)

"We were tasked with a monumental mission -- discover, educate, and honor -- and we’re hopeful we will eventually be back in service," it added. 

The Scottish Ambulance Service told the BBC on Wednesday that 15 people have been hospitalized after the ship tipped over, while another 10 have been treated and discharged at the scene. 

LONG-LOST USS INDIANAPOLIS WRECKAGE DISCOVERED BY PAUL ALLEN CREW  

The ship tipped over during high winds, according to a Scottish politician. (Twitter/@_HausOfVictor/via REUTERS   / Reuters Photos)

Police Scotland reportedly are urging the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency vehicles to enter. 

Dales Marine Services, the owner of the dry dock where the incident happened, told the BBC that "our priority is to ensure those involved are supported." 

In 2017, the RV Petrel found the wreck of the World War II-era USS Indianapolis in the Philippine Sea. 

The Indianapolis was sank by the Japanese on July 30, 1945, resulting in the deaths of more than 850 crew members on board. 

It was the largest loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS         

The RV Petrel has been at the dry dock since 2020, before it toppled over on Wednesday. (Reuters)

"To be able to honor the brave men of the USS Indianapolis and their families through the discovery of a ship that played such a significant role during World War II is truly humbling," Allen said in a statement at the time. 

The Petrel also has found the wreckage of the Japanese aircraft carrier Kaga after it was sunk by U.S. forces during World War II's Battle of Midway. 

FOX Business' Haley Chi-Sing contributed to this report.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Ship tips on its side at 45 degree angle and leaves 25 people injured

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Twenty-five people are injured after a huge ship tipped over at a ’45-degree angle’ in Edinburgh.

Fifteen people have been taken to hospital after the ship became dislodged from its holding in the Imperial Dock area, Leith.

Another 10 people were treated at the scene before being discharged.

Five ambulances, an air ambulance and three trauma teams rushed to the scene at around 8.35am.

People have been told to avoid the area as multiple fire engines and Coastguard rescue teams also helped those injured at the scene.

The ambulance service said 11 patients were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and four to Western General Hospital.

The 75m ship was formerly owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and was placed into long-term moorage in 2020 as a result of ‘operation challenges’ during the Covid pandemic.

However the estate for Paul Allen confirmed to Metro.co.uk that the ship was sold last year.

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A spokesperson said: ‘The vessel is no longer owned by the Estate of Paul G. Allen; it was sold last year.’

Before that, it was used to carry out deep-sea searches for shipwrecks and war graves at sea.

Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian said: ‘We’re on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department following a major incident at the Imperial Docks in Leith.

‘We have been reviewing the current capacity at RIE, with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients.

‘Given the expected pressure on the site, we urge people not to attend A&E at the RIE unless it’s an emergency.’

Edinburgh Councillor Adam McVey said that the ship had been dislodged from its holdings due to strong winds. 

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.’

Toppled ship at leith dock pic.twitter.com/xtyUzrAfxr — Matt Copeland (@matteratzi1995) March 22, 2023

Scottish Greens Lothian MSP Lorna Slater said: ‘My team and I are monitoring events very closely. Images of such a large ship in dry dock leaning at 45 degree angle is very concerning. 

‘I understand that around 25 people have been injured in some way, with around 15 of them now in hospital. My thoughts are with them and others impacted by what must have been a terrifying experience. 

‘Because of the nature of the incident there will clearly be a level of disruption for locals and for people travelling in and around the Leith area.

‘I would ask people to exercise patience and where they can seek alternative routes to allow first responders and other agencies to go about their work.

‘Our thanks go to the emergency services and other agencies who are working to deal with this and to assess the situation moving forward.’ 

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, March 22, 2023 and officers remain at the scene. The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.’

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed 11 patients have been taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and four to Western General Hospital. Others injured were treated at the scene.

They added: ‘We dispatched five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, our special operations team, three paramedic response units and one patient  transport  vehicle.’

A Coastguard spokesman added: ‘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.’

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Ship belonging to estate of microsoft billionaire topples over, injuring 25.

A massive ship owned by the estate of billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen toppled over Wednesday from strong winds in a Scottish dry dock, sending 15 people to the hospital.

Twenty-five people were injured when the 250-foot ship tipped over from its holding around 8:30 a.m. at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, the Scottish Ambulance Service said.

Five ambulances, an air ambulance and three trauma teams responded to the dock, eventually bringing 15 people to hospitals, the Telegraph reported.

Officials have not disclosed their conditions.

An additional 10 people were treated for injuries at the dock.

Pictures shared on social media show the colossal ship leaning at a 45-degree angle.

The research vessel owned by Allen’s estate had previously been used in deep-water searches for shipwrecks and war graves at sea but was put into long-term moorage in 2020 due to “operation challenges” during the COVID pandemic.

Allen co-founded Microsoft Corporation with his childhood friend Bill Gates in 1975. He was ranked the 44th-wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $20.3 billion just before he died in 2018 at the age of 65.

The billionaire died as a result of septic shock three weeks after announcing the return of his non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of cancer that had been in remission for about a decade.

His ship, named Tatoosh, is considered the 60th-largest superyacht in the world . At one point, Allen owned a second mega yacht, called Octopus, which was the 20th-largest ship in the world.

The coast guard also arrived at the docks to provide assistance following the shocking incident. Local politicians in Leith shared their good wishes for those injured in the incident on social media while urging others to avoid the area.

“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,” Leith councilor Adam McVey wrote on Twitter.

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. pic.twitter.com/aREtG80Gq1 — Cllr Adam McVey (@adamrmcvey) March 22, 2023

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said he was “deeply concerned” by the incident and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The National Health Service Lothian urged people to avoid the hospital if possible due to an influx of patients being sent from the docks.

“We’re on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department following a major incident at the Imperial Docks in Leith,” Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said in a statement.

“We have been reviewing the current capacity at RIE, with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients,” Campbell said.

“Given the expected pressure on the site, we urge people not to attend A&E at the RIE unless it’s an emergency.”

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Microsoft Founder Paul Allen Ship Falls Down

Microsoft founder paul allen yacht falls down.

Microsoft founder Paul Allen’s 250ft boat has toppled over in Edinburgh, Scotland due to strong winds. The 250ft boat is a research vessel owned by the billionaire and it is believed that as many as 10 people have been injured and 2 are missing as reported by The Sun.

Paul Allen Ship

Paul Allen ship is the RV Petrel that was used to find historic shipwrecks and was located at Imperial Dock in Leith when the incident occurred. Emergency services including the police, fire service, and ambulances rushed to the scene, and members of the public were asked to avoid the area to allow access for emergency responders.

The incident has sparked concern among the public, and Edinburgh City council leader Cammy Day fears that up to a dozen people may have been injured to some extent. He believes that around 50 people were on board at the time of the incident. Leith councillor Adam McVey described the incident as ‘terrifying’ for those on board and tweeted his thoughts to those who were injured.

Paul Allen Boat Topples

Authorities were notified of the accident at around 8:35am on Wednesday and they are still currently at the scene. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather conditions and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of individuals and properties. The incident also highlights the importance of quick and efficient responses from emergency services during times of crisis.

Microsoft Paul Allen

Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, passed away in 2018 at the age of 65. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $20 billion. As a philanthropist and investor, Allen made significant contributions to various fields, including technology, education, and healthcare. He also had a passion for exploration and owned several properties and assets related to ocean research, including the RV Petrel.

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76m research vessel Petrel lists in Edinburgh dry dock

The 76.4-metre research vessel Petrel has become dislodged from her holding and listed at a 45-degree angle on her starboard side in a dry dock in Leith, Edinburgh. The incident occurred as a result of strong winds at around 8.35am this morning (Wednesday 22 March) and emergency services have been dispatched to the site at Imperial Dock.

According to BOATPro , the research vessel, which was formerly owned by Paul Allen, had been on the dock since October 2022.

A statement by Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, indicated that a number of injuries had been reported, with initial reports suggesting 25 injured and 15 in hospital.

"We're on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh's A&E department following a major incident at Imperial Dock in Leith. We have been reviewing the current capacity at the RIE, with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients," read the statement.

The statement went on: "Given the expected pressure on the site, we urge people not to attend A&E at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh unless it's an emergency."

Major incident at Leith dry dock. pic.twitter.com/0d709Y5G60 — Tomahawk⭐️⭐️ (@Tomafc83) March 22, 2023

Toppled ship at leith dock pic.twitter.com/xtyUzrAfxr — Matt Copeland (@matteratzi1995) March 22, 2023

SNP Councillor for Leith, Adam McVey, attributed the incident to strong winds. "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 [sic] been injured," he tweeted.

Petrel was formerly owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and used as a private research vessel. Allen owned several expedition yachts during his lifetime, including the 126-metre Octopus and 94-metre Tatoosh .

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