Baby born on Guernsey's Marine Ambulance

Friday, 24 July 2026 11:20

By Holly Brown

During an emergency transfer from Sark to Guernsey, Harriet Magell was born.

On 25 June, Kyla Magell was at home in Sark with her husband, Jake, settling her firstborn, Sadie, into bed, when she began to feel different.

She was pregnant with her second child, but the baby wasn't due for two more weeks.

Kyla was booked to travel to Guernsey the next day for a doctor's appointment, and was halfway through packing her bags when at 9.30pm she decided to call 999.

She says the response was 'rapid'.

First responders arrived in their pyjamas from down the road and spoke to Kyla before the doctor arrived, and they decided she should go to Guernsey that night.

Kyla was taken down to the quay and boarded the Flying Christine marine ambulance.

At 11.11pm, as they were passing Jethou, baby Harriett was born.

They got to Princess Elizabeth Hospital just past midnight.

Harriet was declared a healthy baby girl, weighing 9lbs.

Kyla says she is "eternally grateful" to emergency responders for their help:

"I wouldn't advise people waiting for the Flying Christine to give birth. I would advise getting over to Guernsey in time, but if it happens the way it did with me, it was perfect.

"It couldn't have gone any better.

"I would love to thank the volunteers, the paramedics and everyone who jumped on to come and help me, but also to the people driving the boat.

"Thank you for staying so calm, keeping me sane and keeping us all safe.

"Honestly, Sark would be a crazier place to live if we didn't have them at our beckoning call.

"It really shows the community that we have and how amazing everyone is.

"You hear about all these amazing stories, and you think it will never happen to me or I'll never really experience it until you do.

"And when you do, it changes your perspective on absolutely everything."