Father Rescues Daughter After She Falls from Disney Cruise Ship

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A young girl is safe after falling overboard from the fourth deck of a Disney cruise ship on Sunday, thanks to the quick-thinking actions of her father, who jumped into the ocean to save her.

The incident occurred aboard the Disney Dream as the ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale following a four-night cruise to the Bahamas. According to multiple reports, including USA Today and CBS News, the father immediately leapt into the water after his daughter, drawing praise from fellow passengers and social media users who called him a hero.

“The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water,” Disney Cruise Line said in a statement. “We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes.”

Several videos shared online captured the dramatic rescue. One video posted to Facebook by Janice Martin-Asuque shows the man floating in the water as a rescue boat approaches. Another clip, shared on TikTok by user @noeayala32, shows the boat returning to the ship with both the girl and her father on board.

Passengers reported hearing a loudspeaker announcement declaring “MOB Port side!!” — the standard signal for a man overboard on the left side of the ship. Within moments, the Disney Cruise Line rescue team was in the water.

According to USA Today, Disney cruise ships are equipped with man-overboard detection systems that alert crew members in real time when someone falls from the vessel.

“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols,” Disney said in a statement.

It is not yet known how the child fell overboard, but no injuries were reported. The ship continued on course to Fort Lauderdale following the rescue.