Crew members aboard the Disney Dream successfully rescued a father and his 5-year-old daughter from the ocean on Sunday after both went overboard during a return trip to South Florida from the Bahamas. Broward County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright reported that while detectives are investigating the incident, initial findings indicate there is nothing suspicious about how they ended up in the water.
Witnesses aboard the cruise ship described a tense moment when an alarm signaled a “man overboard emergency.” Videos circulating on social media show crew members efficiently pulling the pair from the water within minutes of the incident. Disney Cruise Line praised its staff for their quick response, stating, “We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship.”
Travel health and safety expert Travis Heggie expressed amazement at the rapid rescue, noting, “We never hear of people getting rescued this fast.” The U.S. Coast Guard is also involved in the investigation, although details regarding the circumstances leading to the fall have not been disclosed.
Coleman-Wright highlighted the fortunate outcome, stating, “This family is so blessed,” in stark contrast to what might have resulted as a tragic scenario.
The incident was met with shock among other passengers, with many capturing videos of the rescue operation as the smaller rescue boat approached the two survivors bobbing in the water. Spectators cheered when the crew successfully retrieved them.
Michael Winkleman, an attorney specializing in cruise line incidents, commented on the circumstances surrounding the fall, suggesting that it likely occurred from a lower deck, which contributed to the successful rescue. He noted that cases of multiple people going overboard are rare, especially when one is a child.
This miraculous rescue serves as a testament to the effectiveness of cruise safety protocols and the quick action of the Disney Cruise Line crew, ensuring that a potentially tragic event concluded with a positive outcome for the family involved.