Sea Rescue Aboard Disney Cruise
Authorities have reported a dramatic sea rescue involving a father and his five-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on Deck 4 of the Disney Dream cruise ship around 11:30 AM on June 29, in international waters between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), the young girl lost her balance while sitting on the railing and fell into the sea.
It seems the father, after being alerted by the girl’s mother about the situation, jumped into the water to save her. A BSO detective noted that the 37-year-old father entered the water until he was rescued by the Disney Cruise Line personnel. From the time of the girl’s fall to the rescue, about 20 minutes passed, as confirmed by the initial reports.
Security footage from the cruise ship supports the family’s version of events, though the incident is still under investigation. Passengers onboard described hearing “Man Over Board” announced over the speakers as the crew launched a rescue operation. One passenger, Dewayne Smith, shared on Facebook that there was a strong spirit of hope aboard the ship, stating, “Both the little girl and the dad were successfully rescued.”
In a statement, a Disney Cruise Line representative praised the crew for their swift and effective actions in ensuring both guests were brought back to safety. They emphasized their commitment to guest safety and highlighted how this incident underscores the effectiveness of their protocols.
After being rescued, the father and daughter received medical attention onboard. Once the ship docked at Port Everglades on Monday, they were transported to a local hospital by Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue. While it was reported that the father was hospitalized, details regarding his injuries have not been disclosed. The sheriff’s office also noted that the family is from out of state, thus their identities remain private.
Ultimately, the sheriff’s department expressed gratitude that the situation turned out positively, stating, “This family is very blessed. It’s nice to have good news instead of a tragic outcome.”
