Disney Cruise Tragedy Averted: Father Rescues 5-Year-Old Who Fell Overboard

A family’s vacation aboard the Disney Dream turned terrifying when a 5-year-old girl fell nearly 50 feet into the ocean on June 29. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the child’s mother had lifted her onto a railing for a photo, unaware there was no glass barrier. The girl lost balance and plunged into the water.

Her father immediately jumped in after her and kept her afloat until a rescue tender arrived about 20 minutes later. Both were safely pulled aboard.

Investigators found the ship’s man-overboard sensors didn’t activate because the child was too small. Prosecutors declined to charge the mother, calling the incident a “tragic accident.” Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly wrote, “Her actions were negligent, but not criminal.”

The mother later said she believed Disney should have had protective coverings on the deck windows. Disney has not publicly commented on the incident.