Rescue on Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Two individuals were rescued by paramedics from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday. This incident occurred as the ship docked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night journey to the Bahamas.

A witness recounted the moment, saying, “We heard the man overboard call over the boat’s speaker. A little girl had fallen into the water, and her father jumped in to save her.” They expressed gratitude for the crew’s quick response, stating, “I’m thankful they are both safe.”

Footage from ABC 7 showed rescue teams approaching the individuals underwater and successfully lifting them onto the boat.

According to an unofficial Disney Dream Cruise Facebook group, the girl had fallen from the fourth deck, prompting her father to leap in after her. Reports indicated they were in the water for around 20 minutes before being rescued.

A witness noted, “I saw her mother crying, and when they were rescued, her tears of joy began to flow. I prayed for their safety, and thankfully, they were saved.”

Another bystander remarked on the tense atmosphere during the ordeal, saying, “Honestly, I was holding my breath the whole time. It’s nerve-wracking to witness something like that. But as a father, I would have done the same.”

A statement from Disney Cruise Line expressed appreciation for the crew’s skills and quick decision-making, emphasizing their commitment to guest safety. The incident highlighted the effectiveness of their safety measures.

After the rescue, the ship returned to Port Everglades, Florida. From 2009 to 2019, an average of 19 overboard incidents occurred each year, according to a report from the Cruise Line International Association. This data revealed a total of 212 incidents during that time frame, with 48 successful rescues.

The Disney Dream, launched in 2011, has the capacity to accommodate up to 4,000 passengers.