Newborn Delivered At Sea During Migrant Crossing to Canary Islands

On January 6, a newborn was delivered on an overcrowded inflatable raft, just prior to being rescued by responders who noted the significance of the day coinciding with Spain's Epiphany celebrations.

A baby boy was born on a migrant dinghy traveling from Africa to the Canary Islands this week, according to the Spanish coast guard. Photographs of the newborn and his mother alongside other migrants were shared following their rescue. The dinghy, which was spotted off the coast of Lanzarote on January 6, had been carrying a large number of passengers. Rescuers believe they arrived shortly after the baby was born on Three Kings Day, a Christian holiday in Spain where children are traditionally gifted.

The captain of the rescue operation, Domingo Trujillo, said they were aware of a pregnant woman on board but were not prepared for the arrival of a "totally naked baby who was born 10, 15, or 20 minutes earlier." According to Trujillo, upon reaching the dinghy, the mother was lying on the raft's floor, while the baby was cradled by another passenger.

On medical recommendations, both mother and child were airlifted to a hospital in Lanzarote, where they are reported to be in stable condition with no complications. Commander Álvaro Serrano Pérez noted the special significance of the rescue, stating, "It being Three Kings Day, this was the best gift we could have received."

The journey from Africa to the Canary Islands is fraught with danger, and statistics indicate that over 46,800 undocumented migrants attempted the crossing last year, according to Spanish government data released this month. The Epiphany, marking the visit of the Magi to Jesus, is a day of great celebration in Spain, where families and children participate in customs like polishing their shoes in hopes of gifts from the Three Kings.