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The police, ambulance and fire service received a report that a ship had become dislodged from its hold at Imperial Dock in Leith at around 8:35am on Wednesday.

The images show the Petrel leaning at a 45 degree angle.

The Petrel, a research ship, was purchased and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

It is not known if anyone has been injured.

The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched five ambulances, one air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene, while the fire service also attended.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Officers and colleagues from the emergency service are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, in which a ship in dry dock was dislodged from its hold.

“Police were called to attend around 8:35 a.m. Wednesday and officers remain on scene.

“The public is asked to avoid the area to allow access for emergency services.”

Leith Councilor Adam McVey said the ship broke loose in high winds, describing 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 blown from its hold by high winds.

“Scary for those on board, my thoughts are with those who have been injured and I hope they all make a speedy recovery. Please avoid the area.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 0829 today to attend to an incident in Leith.

“We have dispatched five ambulances, one air ambulance, three trauma teams, our special operations team, three paramedic response units and one patient transport vehicle.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 8:43am on Wednesday to reports of an incident at Imperial Dock, Leith, Edinburgh.

“Operations control mobilized four units and several specialized resources.

“The crews currently remain present.”

The coast guard 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, Coast Guard rescue teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn were dispatched to the scene.

“This is a multi-agency response, with the assistance of the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Department.”

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