Sailors hospitalised after Leith chemical scare

Published on Monday 24 March 2008 13:04

TWO mariners were overcome by noxious fumes on their vessel as they pulled into Edinburgh's Prince of Wales Dock today.

The men were called to investigate internal damage to the Union Gem cargo vessel - thought to have been transporting cement - after encountering rough seas on their way up from Humberside.

One man went to investigate a smell coming from one of the lockers and found that several batteries had leaked hydrochloric acid, which was emanating noxious fumes into the cabin.

He was soon overcome by the fumes and another man was called to check on him, and when he arrived he too found himself in difficulty.

Police and ambulances were called and the men were taken to hospital for checks. They are not thought to have sustained any serious injuries from the chemical spill.

A spokesman for Forth Ports said: "There was no damage to the external environment and as the incident happened when the vessel was in open seas, the jurisdiction of Forth Ports in the matter is limited.

"However, I can tell you that the two men were fine and were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure only."

Lothian and Borders Police said the two men involved were foreign nationals but their names and nationality have not been revealed.

A spokesman said: "About 0900 hours today a 999 call was received at Police Force Communications Centre Edinburgh advising of a chemical incident at Forth Ports.

"Police, fire and ambulance services attended and found two male persons had inhaled a noxious substance whilst working within their vessel.

"They were treated by ambulance personnel and taken to the hospital. There is no health risk to the public or any other crew members."