Baby born 1,000ft up in air in Shetland Coastguard helicopter

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

A baby has been born in the Shetland Coastguard helicopter while it was 1,000ft in the air.

A doctor on Unst, the most northerly inhabited island of the UK^▸ (United Kingdom), called for assistance in the early hours. The helicopter crew landed at 06:00 and collected the expectant mother and father. The baby boy, weighing just over 7lbs, was born on board at 06:30. The helicopter landed in Lerwick at 06:40 and the baby was taken to hospital.

Alex Dodge, watch manager at Shetland Coastguard, said: "This is the first time that a baby has been delivered on the coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland islands. We would like to congratulate the mother and father on the birth of their son, who is reported to be doing well. The mother and son were in good hands. It's a lovely story. The crew are delighted."

The baby was delivered by winchman and paramedic Marcus Wigfull, assisted by Friedie Manson, the winch operator and paramedic. The boy was born above a place called Lunna Holm.

[eightf48544]

I heard it suggested that the baby would be given the Lat and long of where they were born. Not sure how tha would work on your passport or as a security question for online apps.

[JayMac]

Yes, I doubt very much that 'Sikorsky S92A above the North Sea' will be acceptable as place of birth.

[Chris from Nailsea]

There is also a BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) news video report on this story, which includes an interview with the magnificently named winchman, Marcus Wigfull - who actually has a shaved head.