Girl on Disney cruise fell through porthole as dad jumped to save her in 20-minute fight for survival: police
The rescue unfolded around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 29 on Deck 4 of the Disney Dream ship while it was in international waters between the Bahamas and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward Sheriff's Department confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Investigators said the child was sitting on a railing near a porthole when she fell backward into the ocean.
After the girl's mother alerted her husband, who didn't see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter.
BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by Disney Cruise Line rescue personnel on a tender that was launched from the ship.
The department said that the total time from the young girl's accidental fall to the rescue was about 20 minutes.
Security footage from the ship corroborated the family's account of the accident, which remains under investigation, the department said.
WATCH: PASSENGER REACTS TO RESCUE
The ship's crew sprang into action, launching a rescue operation that BSO officials credited to their rigorous man-overboard training.
Dewayne Smith, another passenger, wrote on Facebook that "Man Over Board" rang across the loudspeaker as rescue teams sprang into action.
"Lots of praying folks on this ship! Both the little girl and dad were both successfully rescued!" he wrote.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson confirmed the successful rescue: "The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water. 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."
"We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols," they said. Fox News Digital has reached out to Disney Cruise Line for additional comment.
Once rescued, the father and daughter duo were checked by the ship's medical staff. After the ship safely arrived Monday at Port Everglades, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue transported them to an area hospital.
The father was hospitalized, but details of his injuries were not released. The sheriff's department noted that the family lives out of state, and they are not releasing their names nor where they live.
"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 department said.
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