A baby was born on a crowded migrant dinghy during its journey from Africa to the Canary Islands this week, according to Spanish coast guards.
The baby boy, along with his mother and dozens of other migrants, was rescued by authorities. Coast guards released a photograph showing the newborn with his mother and the other migrants.
The inflatable raft was first spotted on January 6, off the island of Lanzarote. Rescuers believe they reached the vessel shortly after the baby was born, on the day Spain celebrated the Epiphany, a Christian holiday where children typically receive gifts.
The captain of the rescue boat, Domingo Trujillo, explained that while they knew a pregnant woman was on board, they were surprised to find the baby, “totally naked,” just 10 to 20 minutes after birth.
When rescuers reached the dinghy, they found the mother lying on the raft’s floor while another passenger held the baby. Following medical advice, the mother and baby were airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Lanzarote. Authorities have reported no further complications.
Álvaro Serrano Pérez, the helicopter’s commander, described the rescue as a special moment. “Being Three Kings Day, this was the best gift we could have received,” he told Reuters.
The journey from Africa to the Canary Islands is well-known for its dangers. Last year, more than 46,800 migrants made the perilous crossing, according to recent Spanish government data.
Epiphany, also known as “El Día de los Reyes” (the Day of the Kings), is widely celebrated in Spain. It marks the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus, and children often polish their shoes in hopes of receiving gifts from the Kings—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.
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