Baby Born on Migrant Dinghy Rescued by Coastguard in Canary Islands

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A baby girl was born aboard a migrant dinghy carrying 60 individuals as it made a perilous journey towards the Canary Islands. The small boat, which departed from Tan-Tan, Morocco, traversed over 130 nautical miles before being rescued by Spanish coastguards.

Upon arrival, rescuers found the newborn already resting on her mother's lap; a fellow passenger had cut the umbilical cord. Coastguard captain Domingo Trujillo confirmed that the baby was alert and crying, a positive sign of her health. The coastguard took immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child, cleaning and wrapping them for the return trip.

Following their rescue, the mother and baby were transported to Molina Orosa University Hospital in Lanzarote for medical assessments. Emergency coordinator Dr. Maria Sabalich reported that both are in stable condition and will soon transition to a humanitarian center for migrants. Eventually, they are expected to be relocated to a reception facility for mothers and children on one of the Canary Islands.

This incident highlights the ongoing plight of thousands of migrants who embark on perilous voyages from Africa to Europe. The route has been particularly deadly, with Spanish migration charity Walking Borders reporting nearly 10,000 deaths in the previous year.

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