Disney Dream Rescues Father and Daughter; Sheriff Rules Fall Accidental

A Disney Dream voyage from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale turned perilous on 29 June when a five-year-old girl lost her balance while sitting on a Deck 4 railing and fell backward through a porthole into the Atlantic. Her 37-year-old father immediately jumped in after her as the 130,000-ton ship continued to move at cruising speed.

Disney Cruise Line said its crew activated a man-overboard protocol within seconds, slowed the ship, launched a yellow rescue tender and recovered both passengers roughly 20 minutes later. The pair were examined by the ship’s medical team and the father was taken to a Florida hospital after the vessel docked at Port Everglades early the next morning. “Their prompt actions ensured the safe return of both guests,” the company said.

On 2 July the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, which reviewed security video, confirmed the child “fell backward through a porthole” and that the father was not holding her at the time, countering widespread online speculation. Detectives said no foul play is suspected but the inquiry into the circumstances leading to the fall is continuing.

Man-overboard incidents are rare and often fatal; a 2019 industry report logged 25 such events with only nine survivals. Maritime safety specialists say the accident may prompt Disney to examine railing and porthole designs across its fleet, although the company has not announced any changes. Both the girl and her father have been released from medical care and requested privacy.