Fort Lauderdale, June 29 – A dramatic rescue unfolded aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship when a child reportedly fell overboard during the ship’s return to Florida. Witnesses say the child fell from Deck 4, prompting her father to immediately dive into the ocean to save her.
The incident occurred while the ship was sailing between The Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, following a four-night Bahamian cruise that included a stop at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s private island destination.
Emergency Response Activated
An urgent “Mr. MOB” (Man Overboard) code was announced over the ship’s intercom, signaling a swift emergency response. According to a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson, the crew acted immediately and rescued both the father and the child within minutes.
“We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols,” Disney Cruise Line said in a statement to USA Today.
Passenger Accounts Describe Chaos and Relief
Passengers onboard described the tension and quick response from the crew. Kevin Furuta, a witness to the incident, posted:
“A girl fell overboard from the 4th deck & her dad went in after her. Thankfully the DCL rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!”
Crew members reportedly threw life jackets and deployed a rescue boat in a matter of minutes, drawing praise for their professionalism and preparedness.
Unclear How the Fall Occurred
Although the Disney Dream cruise ship is equipped with standard safety barriers, the exact circumstances surrounding how the child fell overboard remain unclear. Conflicting passenger reports suggested the ship might have been docked, but USA Today confirmed that the vessel was cruising at the time.
This incident has renewed conversations around cruise ship safety, particularly in relation to child supervision and barrier effectiveness.
