A glimmer of hope has sprung from heartbreak today, with the news that a baby boy has been born on a rescue ship – just hours after his pregnant mum was found afloat at sea.
The unnamed mother was discovered on a wooden ‘toy’ boat off the coast of Libya, along with 35 other people attempting to flee their war-torn country.
According to the Mirror, the nine-months-pregnant woman was brought on board the rescue boat Aquarius, which is staffed by members of Medecins Sans Frontieres.
UPDATE Après 4 sauvetages en moins de 24h l'#Aquarius quitte la zone de sauvetage et se dirige vers l'Italie avec 678 personnes à bord pic.twitter.com/rjgGchaX9z
— SOS MEDITERRANEE FR (@SOSMedFrance) December 11, 2016
The migrant woman gave birth on board shortly after, welcoming a healthy baby boy into the world.
The tot, who has been named Favour, tipped the scales at 6lbs 9oz and is said to be ‘doing well against all odds’.
BREAKING C'est un garçon!!! Favour est né à 13h50 il pèse 3,180kg. Félicitations à sa courageuse maman secourue hier soir par l'#Aquarius ! pic.twitter.com/0IY59vEpdv
— SOS MEDITERRANEE FR (@SOSMedFrance) December 11, 2016
The official SOS Mediterranean France Twitter account went on to share the first photo of the mother, who can be seen nursing her newborn.
According to a later tweet, the team on the Aquarius have carried out an astonishing four rescues in less than 24 hours this weekend.
