Man taken to hospital after forklift falls into Fraserburgh Harbour in Aberdeenshire

A forklift driver has been taken to hospital after his JCB fell from a harbour in Aberdeenshire.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Fraserburgh Harbour shortly before 8am on Wednesday morning.

The excavator was seen dangling precariously over the harbour, appearing to be supported only by the bucket arm that was partially submerged in the water.

The driver, who did not enter the water, was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for assessment with suspected broken ribs.

Police Scotland has confirmed officers did attend but the matter is being dealt with by the Harbour Board.

A spokeswoman for Fraserburgh Harbour said: “Fraserburgh Harbour can confirm that an incident took place during the morning of July 24, whereby a small industrial vehicle left the quayside and entered the Harbour.

“The driver, who did not enter the water, was transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for assessment.

“The operation of such vehicles along the quayside does not contravene any Fraserburgh Harbour health and safety guidelines.

“An investigation into the incident is ongoing and the HSE has been notified of the incident.

“It is a requirement for all Harbour users to sign a Contractor & Harbour Users HSEQ Handbook and they are responsible for carrying out a thorough Risk Assessment and Safe Working System HSE assessment of their own activity, and operating with due diligence whilst on Harbour property.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance service said: “We received a call today at 7.51am to attend an incident in Fraserburgh Harbour.

“We dispatched one ambulance and transferred one male patient to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.”

Health and Safety Executive Scotland has been contacted for comment.