A baby born on a boat packed with migrants traveled from Africa to the Canary Islands this week, the Spanish Coast Guard said.
They published a picture of the rescued infant alongside his mother and dozens of other migrants.
The crowded inflatable raft was first spotted on January 6 off the island of Lanzarote.
Rescuers believe they arrived on the ship shortly after the baby was born on the day Spain celebrated Epiphany, a Christian holiday on which children traditionally receive gifts.
The rescue boat captain said they knew there was a pregnant woman on board, but were surprised to find “a completely naked baby born 10, 15 or 20 minutes ago.”
When they arrived at the ship, the mother was lying on the floor of the crowded raft while another passenger carried the child, Domingo Trujillo said.
Based on medical advice, the child and his mother were transferred by helicopter to the hospital in Lanzarote. No other complications were reported by the authorities.
“On Three Kings Day, this was the best gift we could have received,” helicopter pilot Alvaro Serrano Perez told Reuters news agency.
Crossing the ocean from Africa to the Canary Islands is very dangerous.
Spanish government data this month showed that more than 46,800 illegal immigrants crossed the road last year to reach the islands.
The Christian Epiphany Day is widely celebrated in Spain, when observers celebrate the visit of Jesus by the Magi – known as the Three Kings, or Wise Men.
Children polish their shoes on the eve of the event known as “El Dia de los Reyes” (Day of the Kings) and leave them ready for the three kings – Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – to place their gifts in them.
