Two-month old Morgan Stewart-Webb has received a gift that will just keep getting more valuable as BC Ferry fares keep climbing.
The Quadra Island tot has received a “Born On Board” card, a free pass for life on the ferry system. This summer Morgan “came to life” aboard the Queen of Powell River as the new born, unable to breathe on its own, was being rushed to Campbell River Hospital.
The card was presented Thursday to dad Noah and mom Amanda at the Quathiaski Cove ferry terminal passenger waiting room by Capt. Shawn Fraser, senior master of the Queen of Powell River.
Morgan, unaware of the enormous value of his birthright, slept peacefully.
In mid-August Morgan’s mom, Amanda, 28, went into labour three days early and gave birth in the couple’s backyard wading pool. Noah Webb, 25, a volunteer fire fighter, had to use his CPR training to keep his infant alive. Noah’s fellow first responders arrived quickly and the baby, still not breathing, was rushed to the ferry. In mid-channel in the ambulance Morgan started breathing. Both parents say their second child is doing great despite the frightening ordeal.
Capt. Fraser said: “We are here to celebrate the miracle of life that is Morgan Stewart-Webb. It is a rare and special occasion. Since 1960 there have been 770 million people travel on the ferries and only 25 births and the last one on this short little run was 19 years ago.”
Noah joked that he thought the ferry pass for life was “an urban myth.” He added: “It’s amazing. It costs a lot of money to take the ferries these days … and it’s getting more expensive as the days go on.”