A five-year-old girl fell from a porthole on Deck 4 of the Disney Dream cruise ship, prompting a rescue operation when her father jumped into the water to save her. The incident occurred as the ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale from The Bahamas on Sunday, June 29, around 11:30 a.m. Both the girl and her father were rescued approximately 20 minutes later by a tender boat.
According to Broward Sheriff’s Office public information officer Veda Coleman-Wright, the child lost her balance while sitting on the railing before falling backward through the porthole. After the girl’s mother notified her husband, he jumped into the ocean to reach her. While he managed to find her, they had to wait for rescue after treading water together.
Passengers on board the cruise reported hearing a “man overboard” announcement and witnessed the crew springing into action, which included deploying rescue rings into the water. Upon their rescue, both the girl and her father were found to be conscious and communicating, although the father was later hospitalized for his injuries.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including reviewing security footage that corroborated witness accounts. Disney Cruise Line praised their crew members for their swift actions and expressed their commitment to guest safety. Despite the incident, cruise-goers have acknowledged the quick response by the crew, highlighting the effectiveness of Disney’s safety protocols.
As the investigation unfolds, there is still no indication that this incident will affect future cruise operations, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures while at sea. This event, while distressing, illustrates the courage of a father and the adeptness of cruise staff in handling emergencies effectively.