Baby born 1,000ft up in air in Shetland Coastguard helicopter
- Published
The helicopter was called out in the early hours of the morning
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, 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.
Coastguard Alex Dodge: "The crew are absolutely delighted"
"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.