A Disney Cruise turned into a real-life drama over the weekend when a father dove into the ocean to rescue his young daughter after she fell overboard.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a 5-year-old girl was sitting on a railing when she lost her balance and slipped backward through a porthole on the Disney Dream cruise ship. It happened late Sunday morning as the ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas.
The girl’s fall from Deck 4 around 11:30 a.m. triggered immediate panic. Her mother reportedly witnessed the accident and quickly alerted her husband. Even though he didn’t actually see the fall happen, the 37-year-old father didn’t hesitate. He jumped straight into the water to find and rescue his daughter.
Investigators say he managed to reach her and tread water with her until a rescue tender launched from the ship reached them. It took about 20 minutes from the time she fell until both were safely pulled from the water.
A Disney Cruise Line spokesperson praised the quick thinking of the ship’s crew, saying they acted swiftly and effectively, helping ensure the guests were safely brought back onboard. “We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes,” the spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Another passenger, Jenn Young, described what unfolded from her perspective. She was in her room when she heard the man overboard announcement, then saw the crew rushing around and tossing life rings into the ocean. The ship even turned around to aid in the rescue.
Young later saw the father and daughter being brought back on board. She said they looked alert, sitting up, and trying to reassure everyone they were okay.
After being rescued, both the father and daughter were medically evaluated. The dad was taken to the hospital once the ship docked in Fort Lauderdale. Details about his condition or the extent of any injuries haven’t been shared, as officials are respecting the family’s privacy.
BSO detectives have reviewed surveillance footage from the ship that reportedly supports the timeline and accounts shared by the family and crew. While the investigation is still ongoing, officials are focused on understanding how the child managed to fall and whether safety measures were followed properly.
There’s no word yet on whether the outcome of this investigation could change how Disney Cruise Line operates moving forward. But in a statement, the company emphasized their dedication to guest safety, calling the incident an example of how well their emergency protocols work when something goes wrong.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols,” Disney said.
For now, the focus is on how a potentially tragic event turned into an inspiring moment of courage and fast action, all thanks to a father’s instinct to dive headfirst into danger for his child.