A child and her father were rescued after an overboard incident occurred on the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday, June 29, 2025. According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), the 5-year-old girl fell from the ship’s fourth deck while it was sailing in international waters, returning from the Bahamas to Port Everglades.
Authorities say the incident happened around 11:30 a.m. while the family was on Deck 4, which features a wraparound walking track with railings designed to prevent such accidents. However, specific sections of the deck feature portholes with a distinct protective design. Investigators report that the child lost her balance while sitting on a railing and fell backward through a porthole, dropping approximately 20 feet into the ocean.
Upon witnessing the fall, the girl’s mother alerted her husband, who immediately jumped into the water to rescue their daughter. The father, 37, located the child and treaded water with her for about 20 minutes until both were rescued by Disney Cruise Line crew members using a tender launched from the vessel.
BSO released details from its investigation to clarify facts and counter speculation circulating on social media. The agency confirmed that security footage corroborated the family’s account, and the case remains under investigation.
Once back aboard the Disney Dream, the father and daughter were evaluated by the ship’s medical team. Upon arrival at Port Everglades on Monday, they were transported to a local hospital by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. The father was hospitalized; however, the nature of his injuries has not been disclosed.
The sheriff’s office praised Disney Cruise Line for its swift emergency response and effective man-overboard procedures. Disney Cruise Line also commended its crew for their role in the successful rescue.
Authorities are not releasing the names of the family members involved, citing their out-of-state residency and privacy considerations.
This incident serves as a reminder of both the importance of onboard safety measures and the critical role of trained emergency personnel during maritime emergencies.