17 hurt as historic Waverley paddle steamer crashes into pier

Newly-relaunched vessel sustained damage to bow, reports say

The Waverley paddle steamer returns to sailing on the Clyde following a successful campaign to raise £2.3m for new boilers, on 22 August (Getty Images)

Seventeen people were hurt when the newly-relaunched paddle steamer, Waverley, crashed into a pier in Arran, Scotland.

Emergency services were called to Brodick Pier at about 5.28pm on Thursday.

A total of 17 people reported injuries, and a number were taken to hospital.

An image published by The Ardrossan Herald showed damage to the bow of the vessel, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer.

A coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was sent, along with Arran coastguard rescue team.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland also attended.

Kay Mulligan, who said she had been on board at the time of the crash, tweeted: “Wee trip on the Waverley today which was wonderful as I’ve waited 2 years to do it.

“Then it crashed... Thankfully I’ve managed to get away with a few bumps and bruises but so many people got much worse.”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.

Waverley resumed sailing last month having been caught in coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

She was built in 1946 and recently underwent a £2.3m boiler refit.

Additional reporting by Press Association