More than 30 people were hurt when RV Petrel toppled over at Leith Docks
By Morag Kinniburgh & James Delaney
BBC News Scotland
Survivors who suffered “catastrophic” injuries when a ship in dry dock collapsed in Edinburgh say they are still waiting for answers a year on.
A major incident was declared when the US Navy research vessel RV Petrel tipped at a 45-degree angle at Imperial dock in Leith on 22 March 2023.
An investigation into the collapse has been going on for the past 12 months.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was working with Police Scotland.
Lawyers say they are helping some of the injured with their recovery.
But they are yet to see any findings from the investigation and say their clients have been caused “unrest and concern”.
A spokesperson for Digby Brown said: “It has now been one year since this incident occurred but the authorities have not yet confirmed what failings led to the dry dock collapse of RV Petrel.
Image source, @TOMAFC83
An investigation into the incident has been ongoing for a year
“As with any incident, it’s the not knowing that often causes upset and the lack of answers here continues to cause unrest and concern among survivors.
“We currently support 13 people from four different nations and while I cannot divulge details, some have suffered truly catastrophic, life-changing injuries.”
They added: “Our priority is making sure each person has access to enhanced treatment so the outcome of their physical recovery may be as positive as possible.”
Two months to right Petrel
Workers previously described the moment the ship toppled as “scary”.
The Sailors’ Society provided care to some of those injured.
The charity’s chief executive, Sara Baade, said the trauma of the incident had a “lasting imprint” on those involved.
She added that they continued to provide support a year on.
The Petrel – which measures 76m (250ft) and weighs over 3,000 tonnes – had been moored at the dockyard since 3 September 2020 due to “operational challenges” from the pandemic.
The vessel was previously owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
It had been used for deep water searches for shipwrecks and war graves at sea, including the lost World War Two heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, which was discovered 18,000 feet (5.5km) beneath the surface.
Image source, PA Media
It took almost two months for the vessel to be righted
In 2022 the Isle of Man-registered vessel was sold to the US Navy, and is now operated by American-owned firm Oceaneering International.
At the time, NHS Lothian said 23 people were treated in hospital and 12 at the scene of the incident.
Marine welfare charity the Sailors’ Society said the trauma of the incident could leave a “lasting imprint”.
Chief executive Sara Baade said: “On the day, we were able to attend the scene quickly and our former port chaplain, Pauline Robinson, worked hard alongside the emergency services.
“We are thankful that she was able to offer comfort and a listening ear to walking wounded and witnesses who were traumatised by the whole event, not only on the day but in the weeks afterwards.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said “The RV Petrel has now made its onward journey from Leith docks, Edinburgh.”
“Officers continue to work with the HSE to establish the full circumstances of this incident.”
