Disney Dream
Share and Follow

(NEXSTAR) – A girl who went overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday had been sitting on a railing before “falling backward through a porthole” and into the ocean, according to a Florida sheriff’s office.

The Disney Dream ship was sailing from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday when the 5-year-old girl fell into the water, Nexstar’s WFLA previously reported. Her father jumped in after her, helping her stay afloat until a rescue boat could arrive, witnesses said.

Disney Dream
A girl who fell from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday had been sitting on a railing on the fourth deck before falling into the ocean, according to a Florida sheriff’s office. (Getty Images)

Footage shared online by fellow passengers showed the two passengers amid the waves until crew members could recover them. They were both brought safely back to the boat.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) later determined that the girl had been sitting on a railing on the fourth deck of the ship when she lost her balance, “falling backward through a porthole.”

“After the girl’s mother alerted her husband, who didn’t see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a statement obtained by Nexstar. “BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship.”

BSO added that the man helped keep his daughter afloat for around 20 minutes. He also hurt himself during the ordeal, but officials with the department withheld details of the injury and the family’s identity for privacy reasons.

The father was treated at a hospital in the Fort Lauderdale area, the statement confirmed.

“This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome,” BSO wrote.

Both the sheriff’s office and a spokesperson for the Disney Cruise Line also commended the actions of the ship’s crew for aiding with the rescue of the two passengers.

“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 previously told WFLA.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, BSO says. A representative for the Disney Cruise Line did not immediately respond to a request for comment on BSO’s initial findings.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Multiple People Injured in Plane Crash at New Jersey Airport

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. (WPHL) — At least five people were taken to a…

Rescuers find 29 survivors and look for more after ferry sinking near Bali, Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Rescuers were searching Thursday for 32 people missing…

Leaders naming a street after Annie Bell Graham

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A portion of Essex Ave. in the Tremont…

Understanding Hydroplaning and Tips for Safe Driving in Wet Weather

ORLANDO, Fla. – Storms are an everyday occurrence in Florida. Rain and…

Passing downpours Thursday and Friday

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Coastal showers have already been moving onshore this…

Around 200 Marines Deploying to Florida to Assist with Immigration Operations

Around 200 U.S. Marines are being sent to Florida to assist Immigration…

Challenges in Dubai’s restaurant scene: high costs and high failure rates

DUBAI – From suspended tables to underwater lounges, some 13,000 food and…

Boater charged with BUI manslaughter 1 year after crash near Howard Frankland Bridge: FWC

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission…