Baby born on Sea King helicopter

A baby boy has been welcomed into the world while his mother was being transferred to hospital onboard a Royal Navy Search and Rescue helicopter in Cornwall.

Royal Navy Search and Rescue helicopter R193 from 771 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose was called yesterday afternoon to assist a pregnant woman who had gone into labour on the Scilly Isles.

Rescue 193, a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter, was travelling with a midwife, Sue Merritt from Helston Birthing Centre, onboard from the local hospital in Helston – which is standard practice for any expectant mothers – provided by the South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST).

Search and Rescue Aircrew are trained for just such events, although it is extremely rare with this believed to be only the second baby born in a Royal Navy helicopter.

Baby Marcus Daniel McLachlan (5lb 3oz) was born onboard call-sign R193 at 7:24pm.

Mum Ella, and baby Marcus along with dad Barney were quickly whisked away to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, near Truro. All are said to be doing well after the excitement of the journey.