A dream cruise to the Caribbean turned into a terrifying ordeal last weekend after a young girl fell overboard from a Disney cruise ship and her father jumped into the sea to save her. The incident, which has sparked significant attention on social media and in international news outlets, occurred aboard the Disney Dream as the ship was returning from a trip to the Bahamas. Below, we detail everything known about this shocking event and how a heroic rescue unfolded.
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Where and when did the accident on the Disney Dream happen?
The dramatic incident took place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, while the Disney Dream, one of the largest ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was sailing back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise was wrapping up a four-night voyage to the Bahamas, which included a stop at Disney’s exclusive Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Contrary to what some initially believed, the ship was not docked at a port but was sailing between the Bahamas and the Florida coast at the time of the accident.
How did the girl fall into the sea during the cruise?
Although the exact circumstances remain unclear, it has been confirmed that the young girl fell from the fourth deck of the Disney Dream. This area of the ship features a walking and jogging track and is equipped with plexiglass railings as a safety measure.
Despite these barriers, the girl fell into the ocean, triggering an immediate emergency response aboard the ship. The rapid sequence of events and the limited official information available have made it difficult to determine precisely how the child managed to bypass the protective barriers.
What did her father do after seeing her fall?
In an act of desperation and courage, the girl’s father immediately jumped into the sea to try to save her. Although a risky decision, this allowed the two of them to stay relatively close together in the water until the cruise ship’s rescue teams arrived.
The ship’s emergency protocol was activated as soon as the fall was detected, which was confirmed by the sound of the “Mr. M.O.B.” (Man Overboard) code broadcast over the ship’s loudspeakers.
How did the Disney Dream crew carry out the rescue?
The crew of the Disney Dream reacted with remarkable speed. Within minutes, life preservers were thrown into the water and a small yellow rescue boat was deployed to reach the father and daughter.
Videos recorded by other passengers clearly show how the rescue team’s boat approached the pair and brought them safely back on board, all within a matter of minutes.
What did Disney Cruise Line say about the incident?
In an official statement to ABC, Disney Cruise Line praised the crew for their swift actions and highlighted the effectiveness of the ship’s safety protocols:
“The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water. 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 ships, including the Disney Dream, are equipped with multiple safety systems. In addition to plexiglass barriers along exterior decks, they feature overboard detection technology that alerts the crew in real time if someone falls into the sea.
The Disney Dream, inaugurated in 2011, can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers and is designed to offer world-class entertainment and safety.
What did witnesses say about what happened on the Disney Dream?
Passengers who witnessed the incident took to social media to share their accounts. In Facebook groups dedicated to Disney cruises, users confirmed both the fall and the successful rescue.
One passenger, Kevin Furuta, wrote:
“A girl fell overboard from the fourth deck and her dad jumped in after her… Thankfully, the Disney Cruise Line rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved.”
Videos and posts quickly went viral, generating both concern and praise for the crew’s fast response.
What is known about the health of the girl and her father?
At this time, no official details have been released regarding the medical condition of the girl and her father after they were rescued. However, eyewitnesses claim that both were brought back on board conscious and in stable condition, thanks to the crew’s rapid intervention.
