Baby born on migrant boat heading for Spain’s Canary Islands
A heartwarming story emerged from the treacherous waters of the Atlantic as a baby girl was born on a crowded migrant dinghy en route to Spain’s Lanzarote island in the Canary Islands. Both the baby and her mother were reported to be in good condition, receiving medical attention at the Molina Orosa University Hospital in Lanzarote.
Dr. Maria Sabalich, the hospital’s emergency coordinator, revealed that the mother and baby were being treated with antibiotics and closely monitored by a pediatric team. The duo will soon be transferred to a humanitarian center for migrants before being moved to a reception center designated for mothers and young children on another island in the Canaries.
The Spanish coast guard disclosed that the pregnant mother’s boat had set sail from Tan-Tan, a region in Morocco located approximately 135 nautical miles southeast of Lanzarote. The latest arrivals add to the thousands of migrants embarking on perilous sea voyages from the western African coast to the Canaries each year, with many lives lost along the way.
The rescue operation, facilitated by favorable weather conditions, was deemed successful by Captain Domingo Trujillo of the Spanish coast guard. A total of 60 individuals, including 14 women and four children, were rescued from the overcrowded dinghy. Trujillo recounted the heartwarming moment when the baby girl let out cries, signaling her vitality, prompting the crew to assist in cleaning and wrapping her in preparation for the journey ahead.
In addition to the miraculous birth at sea, the Canary Islands’ rescue services also intercepted two more boats carrying a total of 144 individuals overnight. The Spanish migration charity, Walking Borders, reported a staggering 9,757 deaths on the Atlantic Route to the Canaries from West Africa in 2024. This route, commonly utilized by migrants from Morocco and Western Sahara, poses significant risks, particularly for women who face sexual violence, discrimination, racism, and deportations during transit.
Despite the challenges and exhaustion faced by the rescue crews, Trujillo emphasized the profound sense of fulfillment derived from assisting those in distress. The crew’s dedication and tireless efforts underscore the humanitarian mission aimed at saving lives and offering hope to those embarking on perilous journeys across the unforgiving waters of the Atlantic.
