A baby boy’s arrival aboard the MV Malisha brought passengers and crew together early this morning, with one woman reportedly fulfilling a long-held dream of helping deliver a child.

The ferry was heading to Kumaka in the North West District when an expectant mother went into labour off Shell Beach.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, the woman began experiencing abdominal pain and contractions at approximately 1:10 a.m., while the vessel was about 22 nautical miles offshore.

The captain requested Coast Guard medical assistance, and three passengers, Daphne Williams, Martina Valenzuela and Lorna Joseph Beharry, stepped forward to help.

With their assistance and support from the crew, the mother delivered a baby boy at 1:51 a.m.

A separate passenger account described an extra-special arrival: the 38-year-old mother reportedly welcomed her son on her birthday.

That account also identified Beharry as a Barabina resident who had long wanted to become a midwife but had not pursued formal studies. She was reportedly excited to assist with the delivery.

According to the Ministry, a Coast Guard team commanded by Petty Officer Wendell Walcott arrived to assist at 6:20 a.m. The mother and newborn were transferred approximately 3.8 nautical miles off the Waini Inner Beacon, where calmer waters provided safer conditions.

Williams and Beharry accompanied them for transport to Mabaruma Hospital for post-natal care.

The MV Malisha continued to Kumaka, arriving safely at 9:30 a.m.

The ministry clarified that the distress call was solely for medical assistance and was unrelated to any mechanical fault or safety problem aboard the ferry.

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill commended the captain, crew, Coast Guard team and the three passengers for their resourcefulness and care in helping the mother and child.