On a Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream, a 5-year-old girl fell from the fourth deck while it was returning to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas. The incident occurred on Sunday and has sparked some controversy due to misinformation circulating on social media.
Authorities, specifically the Broward Sheriff’s Office, clarified that the girl was not being held by her father at the time of the fall, countering claims suggesting otherwise. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the child had climbed over the protective railing while her parents were engaged in a shuffleboard game nearby.
In a heroic response, the girl’s father jumped into the ocean to save her as the crew quickly deployed life preservers and prepared rescue boats. Passengers captured the remarkable moment, showing the father holding his daughter in the water until help arrived. Both were successfully rescued and returned to the ship without injury.
Disney Cruise Line praised its crew for their swift and effective action during the emergency. A spokesperson stated, “The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water… This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”
Passenger Monica Shannon recounted the incident, describing the shock of witnessing the fall and hearing a “man overboard” alert shortly afterward. Many passengers cheered as the rescue unfolded, demonstrating a strong sense of community onboard.
This incident underscores the importance of safety measures on cruise ships and the need for vigilance among both crew and guests. Thankfully, the quick actions of the Disney Dream crew ensured a positive outcome in what could have been a tragic situation.