PROUD mum Ella Mclachlan cradles her new born baby Marcus who was born on an RNAS Culdrose rescue helicopter as proud dad Barney looks on.


As reported by the Packet yesterday, rescue helicopter 193 from 771 squadron had to be scrambled just after 5pm on Tuesdaynight to help his mum Ella, who had gone into labour on the Isles of Scilly.

Baby Marcus Daniel McLachlan was in such a rush to arrive that by the time the crew landed at Truro’s Royal Cornwall Hospital their numbers had risen from seven to eight.

The helicopter paused only to pick up midwife Sue Merritt from Helston Birthing Centre – something which is standard practice for any expectant mothers – before collecting Ella and partner Barney.
 

With just ten minutes to go before reaching the hospital, however, baby Marcus decided it was time to arrive.


Mrs Merritt was helped in the delivery by Petty Officer Aircrewman Gary Kneesh and Lieutenant Commander Chuck Norris, the observer on board who has had specific training for a whole range of medical emergencies – although this was his first birth.

Describing it as “an exciting evening” Chuck said: “It’s pretty uncommon to announce to the coastguard that you had launched with seven persons on board, but were preparing to land with eight!”

Search and rescue aircrew are trained for such events, but it is extremely rare, with this believed to be only the second baby born in a Royal Navy helicopter.

Baby Marcus was born weighing 5lb 3oz at 7.24pm approximately two miles south east of Truro at 150 feet. It is unsure at this stage what location will be on the birth certificate.