Details emerge from Disney cruise incident when father, daughter went overboard

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel on Jul 3, 2025

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ORLANDO, Fla. — After a father jumped in after his daughter fell overboard from a Disney Cruise Line ship Sunday, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office released a statement clarifying details from its investigation.

The pair were rescued by crew from the Disney Dream after the father treaded water with his 5-year-old daughter for about 20 minutes, the release said. The incident happened about 11:30 a.m. Sunday when the girl “lost her balance while sitting on a railing and falling backward through a porthole,” the release said.

The family were on Deck 4 of the ship, which features a wraparound walking track and railings mostly covered by plastic that would make it difficult for a child to climb over. There are parts of Deck 4, though, that have porthole features with a different railing protection design. Deck 4 is about 20 feet above the water line.

The ship was returning from the Bahamas to Port Everglades at the end of a four-night cruise, and was in international waters.

“After the girl’s mother alerted her husband, who didn’t see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter,” it continued. “BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship.”

Part of the reason the sheriff’s office put out the release was because of “misinformation.” Several social media posts have conjectured just how the child was in a position to go overboard.

While detectives are still investigating, the sheriff’s office said the account of the incident of the daughter’s fall and the father’s involvement has been confirmed.

“BSO detectives have reviewed the ship’s security video, which corroborates the statements from the family and cruise ship staff,” the release stated.

The release also praised Disney’s “man overboard” training, and once the pair, who have not been identified, were brought back on board, they were checked out by the ship’s medical staff.

After the rescue, Disney Cruise Line also praised the crew.

“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.” read a statement from a DCL spokesperson. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

The release said once the ship was back on shore, the pair were transported by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue to an area hospital. The father was hospitalized.

“For the family’s continued privacy, detectives are not releasing their names, where they live, or the details of the father’s injury.” the statement reads.

Disney Dream is the lone Disney ship for now sailing from the line’s new second home in Fort Lauderdale. Most of its ships are based at Port Canaveral to the north.

“This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome,” the sheriff’s office statement reads.

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