A baby has been born on a CalMac ferry crossing, leaving passengers and the crew stunned. The little girl was born on the MV Argyle ship during the 7.15am crossing from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay on Wednesday, April 26.
The expectant mum was en route from the Isle of Bute to Ayrshire to give birth, but the little one arrived before she could get to the hospital. It is understood the baby was born in an ambulance on the car deck during the short trip across the Firth of Clyde.
The crew sent their "warmest wishes and congratulations" to the parents as the captain hailed the ferry firm's "youngest ever passenger". Captain Lee McDowell, who was the Master on board on Wednesday morning, said: “We are delighted at the news of a very special delivery on board MV Argyle in Wemyss Bay this morning – a baby girl!
Several passengers have gushed about the shock new arrival. One man, from Lamlash in Arran, explained: "A baby was born at sea on board a CalMac ferry for the first time ever.
"The pregnant woman was travelling in an ambulance on the 7.15am MV Argyle sailing from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay but gave birth on the ferry before the 35 minute crossing was completed."
Another passenger added: "I was on the gangway when this happened this morning - welcome to the world wee girl!" A third beamed: "I was on there this morning when the woman gave birth on the car deck of the boat!"
Meanwhile a fourth joked: "Congratulations to the family. Does this mean the wee yin gets free sailing for life?" Others have suggested that the baby should be called 'Callie' in tribute to the unconventional birth.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed: "We dispatched one ambulance to the scene and transferred the patient and newborn baby to hospital."
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