Father jumps off Disney Cruise ship after daughter falls overboard

A father jumped off a Disney cruise ship to save his daughter after she fell overboard on Sunday morning, June 29, the final day of the voyage. The incident occurred as the ship was returning from Disney’s Lookout Cay in the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Passengers described the scene as tense but heroic. Video footage shared on social media shows the ship’s rescue team launching a lifeboat and reaching the pair in under 20 minutes. The ship also slowed and turned to assist in the operation. Both father and daughter were safely pulled back onboard and received immediate medical attention.

“It was a miracle to witness,” said one passenger. “The response from the crew was so fast. Everyone on deck was in shock, but you could feel the relief when they were brought back.”

Disney Cruise Line issued a statement following the incident, commending the ship’s crew for their swift action and professionalism.

“The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water after an accidental fall overboard. Both guests were recovered safely and received medical attention. We commend our Crew Members for their swift response and professionalism during this situation.”

The U.S. Coast Guard and Broward County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the incident, reviewing how the child was able to fall overboard despite the vessel’s safety features, which include plexiglass barriers and overboard detection systems. Initial reports suggest the fall was accidental, and no foul play is suspected.

Maritime experts note that successful overboard rescues are rare, with less than 25% of such cases resulting in safe recovery. This incident is being hailed as a textbook example of effective emergency response at sea.

The Disney Dream continued its journey shortly after the rescue, with passengers expressing admiration and gratitude toward the crew for their life-saving efforts.