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New life launched thanks to Marine orderlies!
 Proud mum and dad Myrna and Richard Johnston thank the PL84 crew who helped bring baby Geneva safely into the world |
A cute face is set to grace the wheelhouse of Police Launch 84 which saw the emergency birth of a baby girl in the wee hours of July 7.
Baby Geneva Johnston came into the world about 3.40 that morning as the launch was speeding from Lamma Island's Yung Shue Wan to Aberdeen Marine Police Base.
Mum Myrna, 24, was still a week ahead of her expected delivery date when the contractions came about 3 am.
A helicopter was initially arranged to take her to hospital but the plan was dashed by bad weather and poor visibility.
Police Launch 84 was called in to assist but little Geneva could not wait and emerged on the vessel just minutes from the base.
The crew have pledged to frame her sweet looks and keep it aboard the launch to remind them of the hectic, yet delightful operation.
Head of the 11-member crew and father of two, Station Sergeant Tse Long-tin said: "It's good seeing new lives coming into the world and we hope to soon have a photo of the baby on display aboard our launch.
"When we picked them up, the nurse told us it was likely labour would soon start so we made the mother comfortable on a sofa in the cabin and got everything ready such as a blanket, gloves, tissues and things."
Marine South Division Police Constable Chan Tin-ho remained in the cabin to assist the nurse while the rest of the crew concentrated on safely speeding back to base.
"We were just minutes away from Aberdeen but the baby couldn't wait any longer - she just came out," he said.
They were rushed to Tsan Yuk Hospital where the baby weighed in at just over three kilograms.
Though it was the first time for PC Chan to see a baby being born, he remained calm and helpful all the way.
"I think the police training in handling emergencies we have received really helped a lot," he said, after compliments from SSGT Tse.
It was the second emergency birth aboard a police launch in a year, with baby Natasha Thomas delivered aboard Launch 31 also on-route from Lamma to Aberdeen on July 6 last year.