Disney Cruise Crew Rescues Hero Father and Daughter in Harrowing Ocean Plunge
A Disney Dream cruise turned into a nightmare-turned-miracle when a 5-year-old girl fell overboard from the fourth deck, prompting her father to leap into the sea after her. In a tense 15-minute scramble, Disney’s crew executed a high-stakes rescue as stunned passengers looked on.
A father and his 5-year-old daughter were safely rescued Sunday afternoon after a harrowing incident aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship as it returned to Port Everglades, overshadowing other local news, including the passing of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart at 90. The dramatic event unfolded when the young girl fell overboard from the fourth deck, prompting her father to leap into the ocean to save her, according to passengers and officials.
Passenger Monica Shannon, who witnessed the incident, told Local 10 News’ Roy Ramos that she and her family were taking photos near the shuffleboard area on the fourth deck when the girl, climbing on a railing, “went over, flew off.” Video obtained by Local 10 News captured the tense moments as rescue crews swiftly pulled the father and daughter to safety. “She didn’t know how to swim, and the dad couldn’t find her at first,” Shannon said, describing the panic before the rescue.
Another passenger, Gar Frantz, recounted to NBC News seeing the child sitting on the rail while a man, presumably her father, took a picture before she fell. “It was horrific,” Frantz said, noting the sight of “two little things” in the water. Gail Merrick, who was playing bingo onboard, described a commotion on deck and saw a yellow rescue boat deployed. “We were watching with bated breath,” she said, relieved when the crew announced the successful rescue.
The Disney Dream, returning from a four-night Bahamas cruise, made a sharp turn to aid the rescue, according to passenger James Tackett. His mother, Brenda Tackett, heard an announcement of “Mr. Mob, Mr. Mob, port side, port side,” signaling a man-overboard situation, as crew members rushed with life jackets and float rings. “The Disney Cruise Line staff were phenomenal,” she said. “The whole thing was maybe 10, 15 minutes, and they safely got back on board.”
Disney Cruise Line issued a statement commending the crew’s “exceptional skills and prompt actions,” which ensured the safe return of both guests within minutes. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols,” the statement read. The spokesperson did not disclose the girl’s age or specific details about how she fell.
Cruise expert Stewart Chiron emphasized the rarity of such incidents, noting industry-standard railings and Disney’s additional plexiglass barriers to protect young children. “There are closed-circuit TV cameras, overboard detection systems, and warning signs,” he told Local 10 News, suggesting onboard footage likely captured the event.
Veda Coleman-Wright from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office stated there was no indication of suspicious circumstances, though detectives are investigating the incident’s cause. The Coast Guard did not respond to inquiries. Passengers cheered as the father and daughter were safely brought back aboard, allowing the cruise to continue.