A dramatic rescue took place on June 29, 2025, aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship, when a young girl fell into the ocean from the fourth deck during the return trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after a voyage through the Bahamas.
In an instant act of bravery, her father didn’t hesitate for a second and jumped into the sea to rescue her. According to witnesses, both drifted for approximately 20 minutes while the “Man Overboard” alert system was activated, and the crew responded swiftly, deploying a rescue boat that recovered them quickly.
Passengers described the scene as tense yet hopeful. “Her dad went in after her… the rescue team was on it immediately,” wrote one witness in a post shared on social media. The fast response and efficiency of the onboard staff were praised by Disney Cruise Line, which confirmed that the girl and her father were safely brought back on board within minutes.
What happened to the child after the accident?
The girl did not suffer any injuries, and her father was also unharmed. However, both were treated as a precaution in the ship’s medical center. Despite the fact that the plexiglass railing on Deck 4 is meant to prevent falls, an investigation is still underway to determine how the incident occurred.
This episode not only highlights the immense courage of a brave father but also underscores the importance of maritime safety protocols. The person-overboard detection system and the swift response of the rescue team were key in preventing a tragedy. Disney reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, emphasizing that this incident demonstrates the effectiveness of its emergency procedures.