Ship that toppled over in Edinburgh dry dock injuring 35 people finally righted weeks later

A US Navy vessel which tipped over in a dry dock, leaving dozens injured, is back in the water.

Thirty five people were hurt when RV Petrel became dislodged from its holding and toppled to a 45-degree angle at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, in March.

More than a month later, the 3,371-tonne vessel has been righted and is now afloat.

Worker Constantin Pogor previously told of being thrown from one side of the ship to the other during the incident.

The 48-year-old was recently released from hospital after suffering a dislocated elbow and fractured pelvis.

A further 22 people were taken to hospital, with 12 others treated at the scene.

Specialist cranes were spotted on site last month as inquires continue into how the vessel became dislodged.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors, who are working alongside Police Scotland, have been assessing the technical aspects of the structural collapse.

A force spokesman said on Tuesday: “Officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive. Inquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

RV Petrel has been moored at the Imperial Dock – operated by Dales Marine Services – since September 2020 due to “operational challenges” from the pandemic.

In a previous statement, Dales Marine Services said it “continues to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities in dealing with the incident” and at this time it “cannot comment any further”.

The 76 metre-long Petrel was once owned and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen but was sold by his estate in 2022.

Mr Allen bought the ship to locate historically significant shipwrecks and it discovered around 30 sunken warships, including the Japanese Imperial Navy’s IJN Musashi.

In 2022, the Isle of Man-registered vessel was sold to the US Navy, and it is now operated by American-owned firm Oceaneering International.

The US Navy has been approached for comment.