Pauline Cirus, a passenger on board the MB Ma Lisha en route to Kumaka, North West District in Region One, safely gave birth to a baby in the wee hours of today.
Based on reports, Cirus began experiencing abdominal pain and contractions sometime around 01:10h. At the time, the MV Maisha was navigating open waters precisely 22.22 nautical miles off Shell Beach.
Recognising the delicate situation, the boat captain immediately issued a distress signal to request the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard for assistance for the expectant mother.
However, before help arrived, three female passengers aboard the vessel — Ms. Daphne Williams, Ms. Martina Valenzuela, and Ms. Lorna Joseph Beharry — stepped forward to assist the woman in the labour. With their assistance and the support of the crew, Cirus safely delivered a baby boy at 01:51h onboard the vessel.
A Guyana Coast Guard team, under the command of Petty Officer Wendell Walcott, subsequently arrived at about 06:20h. Coast Guard personnel safely transferred Cirus, her newborn son, and two accompanying passengers — Daphne Williams and Lorna Joseph Beharry — for swift transport to the Mabaruma Hospital for postnatal care.
Following the successful joint operation, the MV Maisha resumed its journey to Kumaka, arriving safely at port at 09:30h.
In a statement later this morning, the Ministry of Public Works emphasised that this distress call was solely a request for medical support and was in no way related to any physical fault, vessel malfunction, or emergency concerning the ship itself.
Nevertheless, subject minister, Juan Edghill, commended the MV Ma Lisha crew, the Coast Guard team, and the three female passengers for their selfless civic duty, resourcefulness, and care in ensuring the safety and well-being of mother and child.
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