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Miraculous Birth During Perilous Journey: Baby Rescued from Migrant Dinghy
A miraculous event unfolded this week when a baby was born aboard a crowded migrant dinghy that had set sail from Africa towards the Canary Islands, according to Spanish coast guard officials.
The coast guards released an image of the newborn boy, who was rescued alongside his mother and numerous other migrants.
The inflatable raft, filled to capacity, was first detected on January 6 off the coast of Lanzarote. This date coincided with Spain’s celebration of Epiphany, a significant Christian holiday wherein children traditionally receive gifts.
Rescue teams revealed they arrived at the vessel shortly after the baby’s birth. Domingo Trujillo, the captain of the rescue boat, expressed his surprise upon discovering a “totally naked baby who was born 10, 15, or 20 minutes earlier.” He had been aware that a pregnant woman was on board but was unprepared for the urgency of the situation.
Upon reaching the dinghy, Trujillo noted that the mother was resting on the floor while another passenger cradled the newborn. Following medical guidance, both the mother and infant were airlifted to a hospital in Lanzarote, with no complications reported by medical authorities.
Álvaro Serrano Pérez, the helicopter commander, remarked on the timing of the birth coinciding with Three Kings Day, stating, “This was the best gift we could have received,” when speaking to Reuters.
The journey from Africa to the Canary Islands is infamous for its dangers, with unpredictable weather and overcrowded vessels contributing to the perilous nature of the crossing.
Recent data from the Spanish government indicated that over 46,800 undocumented migrants undertook this treacherous route last year in hopes of reaching the islands.
Epiphany, observed on January 6, commemorates the visit of the Magi, or Three Kings, to the infant Jesus. This holiday is widely celebrated throughout Spain, where children polish their shoes the night before, leaving them out in anticipation of gifts from the Three Kings—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.
The touching story of the newborn serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and hope that persists amid such treacherous journeys undertaken by countless migrants seeking a better life.
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www.bbc.com