A Disney Dream cruise turned into a real-life nightmare when a 5-year-old girl fell overboard. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 29th, around 11:30 a.m. while the ship was en route from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
According to reports, the girl was sitting on a railing near a porthole on Deck 4 when she lost her balance and fell into the ocean. Her mother immediately alerted her husband, who, without hesitation, jumped into the water to rescue his daughter.
Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) detectives confirmed that the 37-year-old father located his daughter and managed to keep her afloat until a rescue tender, launched from the Disney Dream, arrived. The entire ordeal, from the time the girl fell overboard to the rescue, lasted approximately 20 minutes.
"After the girl’s mother alerted her husband, who didn’t see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter," said public information officer Veda Coleman-Wright. "BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship."
The BSO is currently investigating the incident, but security footage from the ship corroborates the family's account. Both the father and daughter were medically evaluated, and the father was hospitalized as a precaution after disembarking. Other passengers reported hearing a "Man Over Board" announcement and witnessing the crew's swift response, including the deployment of life rings. Disney Cruise Line has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its guests.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in cruise travel and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.