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Baby On Board Stromness Lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew of Stromness lifeboat dashed across Scapa Flow yesterday to carry two midwives when their services were urgently needed on Hoy.

Lifeboat crew plus mum with baby and two midwives on side deck of lifeboat

RNLI/Richard Clubley

Everyone safe back at the pontoon in Stromness
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The volunteer crew of RNLB, Violet Dorothy and Kathleen, were just sitting down to lunch when the pager alerted them to an urgent task. Zane Uzklinge had been surprised by the imminent arrival of her first baby on the island of Hoy, across the water of Scapa Flow from Stromness.
The lifeboat crew were asked to deliver two midwives to assist. Even at 25 knots, on a flat calm sea, the lifeboat did not beat the stork however. Fortunately, local medics Dr Simon Rudland and nurse Sally Harvey were on hand to deliver baby Sigi who weighed in at 7lbs.

The lifeboat then brought mum, Sigi and the midwives - Olivia Jones and Rachel Brown - back to Stromness for transfer to the brand new Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall for a check-up (Olivia and Rachel didn't need check-ups as they are both good sailors, they were just thrilled.)

On one of the stillest, sunniest, sparkliest seas of the year Sigi Uzklinge started life with a high speed dash with some proud lifeboatmen, excited midwives and a somewhat bemused mum. Congratulations to all and Happy Trails, baby Sigi.
Mum and baby with two midwives inside lifeboat cabin

RNLI/Richard Clubley

Zane, Sigi, Olivia and Rachel on board the lifeboat
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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Richard Clubley
Lifeboat Press Officer, Stromness

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