Sheriff: Father did not place 5-year-old girl on railing before Disney Cruise overboard fall
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
The Broward County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a 5-year-old girl who fell overboard from a Disney Cruise Line ship was not placed on the railing by her father prior to the fall. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 29, aboard theas it returned from a four-night Bahamas itinerary to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.According to law enforcement, the child fell from the vessel's fourth deck. Contrary to early social media speculation, the Sheriff's Office confirmed to CBS News and PEOPLE that 'the little girl was not being held by her father on the railing at the time of the fall.'Also read: Caught on camera: Disney cruise terrifying horror as child falls overboard, father's heroic leap stuns onl PIO Veda Coleman-Wright further stated the child 'lost her balance while sitting on a railing and [fell] backward through a porthole.' The girl's mother reportedly witnessed the incident and alerted her husband, who had not seen the fall. The 37-year-old father, whose name has not been released, jumped overboard to rescue his daughter.Disney Cruise Line staff executed an emergency rescue operation after the girl and her father entered the water. Both were pulled from the ocean and returned to the ship by Disney's trained crew within approximately 30 minutes. Thedocked at Port Everglades on Monday morning, July 3, where the father was transported to a hospital for treatment of an unspecified injury.'The Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue,' the Sheriff's Office stated in a release. 'While there doesn't appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard.'One passenger, identified only as Chandler, recalled a scream followed by a loud splash while the ship was sailing between Nassau and Grand Bahama Island. 'It sounded like hitting pavement, nothing like if you jump into a pool, it was so loud,' she told PEOPLE.Also read: Did they survive? Dad jumps from Disney cruise ship overboard to save child, here's what happened Chandler added that a life vest was thrown into the water about 15 seconds later, followed by an announcement over the ship's intercom: 'MOB port side.' Three additional flotation devices were deployed, and a rescue boat with four crew members was launched. Video shared by Chandler on TikTok shows the successful retrieval of both passengers. She reported the incident began at 11:15 a.m., with the rescue completed by 11:47 a.m.In a statement, Disney Cruise Line said, 'The crew aboard theswiftly 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.'The company added, 'We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Girl's Dad On Disney Cruise Did Not Place Her On Railing Before Horrifying Plunge, Reveals Probe
Last Updated: The Broward Sheriff's Office said the claims that the father held his 5-year-old daughter on the railing were false. After the rescue of the father-daughter duo, who were onboard the Disney Dream cruise, from ocean, some reports had emerged claiming that the man had been holding the girl on the ship's railing just before the she fell from the ship. As South Florida authorities examined the incident, the claims have been termed false. According to a report by CBS News, the Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed that the 'little girl was not being held," and there was nothing suspicious, countering false claims circulating on social media. What Broward Sheriff's Office Said? In a statement on the incident, the Broward Sheriff's Office said, 'Based on media reports I have read, the Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue. While there doesn't appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard. 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 incident involved a father and his 5-year-old daughter." Netizens React Meanwhile, amid the rumors, netizens hailed the father's action as 'heroic move" and even demanded apology from 'Disney cult." An X user named Collin Rugg wrote, 'Father who jumped into the ocean to save his daughter on a Disney cruise ship vindicated, did not prop his daughter on the railing like online Disney conspiracy theorists claimed. The Disney cult owes this man an apology…(sic)" The father was initially hailed as a hero after he made a split-second decision to leap off the fourth deck of a Disney Cruise ship to rescue his 5-year-old daughter, who had accidentally fallen into the ocean. The incident unfolded on Sunday aboard the Disney Dream, as it was sailing back to South Florida from the Bahamas. According to passengers, the child fell overboard from a significant height, and her father immediately dove into the open water without hesitation. Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the ship was moving so fast that 'the people became tiny dots in the sea" before disappearing from view. The father reportedly jumped the moment he realized his daughter had fallen off the ship. As panic erupted on the ship, the captain quickly initiated an emergency stop, turned the massive vessel around, and deployed a tender rescue boat. The crew tossed life preservers into the water as trained responders raced toward the father and child. Video clips shared by passengers captured the emotional moment the rescue crew reached the father, who was seen holding his daughter tightly as they floated in the water. He handed his daughter over to the rescuers before climbing into the rescue boat himself. Onlookers cheered and cried in relief as both were brought back aboard safely. Disney Cruise Line praised its crew in a statement, saying, '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." The company emphasised that the incident demonstrates the strength of its safety protocols and the professionalism of its team.
Mint
6 hours ago
- Mint
Did a father put his daughter on Disney cruise ledge? Sheriff says ‘no foul play', internet wants ‘Disney cult' apology
South Florida authorities are examining the incident after a 5‑year‑old girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday. According to a report by CBS News, the Broward Sheriff's Office clarified to CBS News Miami on Tuesday that the 'little girl was not being held,' countering false claims circulating on social media that suggested her father had been holding her on the ship's railing just before the incident. The Broward Sheriff's Office released the following statement on the incident, 'Based on media reports I have read, the Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue. While there doesn't appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard. 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 incident involved a father and his 5-year-old daughter.' The incident occurred on the Disney Dream while it was sailing between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale. According to witnesses who spoke with CBS News Miami, the girl's father jumped into the water after she fell overboard and treaded water for over 10 minutes. Cell phone footage captured him holding his daughter as they floated, before passing her to a rescue boat from the ship and then climbing aboard himself. Disney cruise passenger Monica Shannon said she was on Deck 3 with her family, waiting to meet Disney princesses, when she witnessed something unusual. 'I kind of see something really fast flew by, I didn't think anything of it,' Shannon said. She pointed out that Deck 4, where the incident happened, is typically quieter and features the ship's shuffleboard courts, according to CBS News. Shannon also mentioned that the deck has a railing with a safety barrier in place. Meanwhile, Nicholas Gerson, a maritime injury attorney with Gerson & Schwartz, said the father's quick actions likely saved his daughter's life. 'Most incidents like this end in tragedy, but in this case, the father is a hero,' Gerson stated. He added that the situation was unusual because it happened during daylight hours, with witnesses present and a fast response from both the father and the ship's crew. The Daily Mail reported that the father was able to keep his daughter afloat for about 20 minutes in the ocean until Disney Cruise Line staff reached them with a lifeboat. Video footage posted by passenger Janice Martin-Asuque showed the rescue boat approaching the pair in choppy seas before bringing them aboard. 'The Disney cult owes this man an apology,' wrote Collin Rugg in a post on X. A user replied, 'Why are people so obsessed with Disney? The bullishness has always been puzzling. If they knew what really went on with Disney, I bet the general public would be horrified.' Most incidents like this end in tragedy, but in this case, the father is a hero. Another said, "Some people suck. They will spread lies and rumors to make a good person look bad." A user noted, "Those portholes are INSANE. Miracle toddlers aren't falling out of them all the time."
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Documentary on Diddy trial to stream online today; key reasons why jury didn't find him guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking
Sean 'Diddy' Combs may have dodged the most serious charges in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking case, but Judge Arun Subramanian isn't letting him out just yet. The Music mogul's bail plea was denied by the presiding judge as the legal battle continues. Meanwhile, ABC News aired a one-hour special, Verdict: The Diddy Trial, less than 12 hours after the verdict. The episode aired in the US on July 2 and is set to stream globally the next day. The special features defense attorney and ABC's legal analyst Brian Buckmire, criminal trial lawyer Sarah Azari, and investigative correspondents breaking down what went down in court. Though Combs beat the charges that could've landed him behind bars for life, he's still staring at a likely two-decade prison term. Where to watch Verdict: the Diddy Trial The TV special aired Wednesday (July 2) at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Outside the US, it'll stream on Disney+ and Hulu on July 3. The special explores the key moments that flipped the case in Diddy's favour, with commentary, scene reenactments, and a breakdown of what legal doors remain open, both for the defense and the prosecutors looking to make their next move. Also read: Sean 'Diddy' Combs found guilty in sex trial, but cleared of trafficking and racketeering charges Diddy was convicted of two federal crimes, including transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution (violating the Mann Act.) Meanwhile, he was acquitted of three other, more serious charges, including: Sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura and another woman (identified only as 'Jane'). Racketeering, where prosecutors claimed Diddy ran an illegal criminal enterprise involving bribery, drugs, kidnapping, and sexual abuse. According to ABC, each of the two charges Diddy was convicted on carries a max sentence of 10 years, which means he's now staring at a possible 20 years behind bars. The decision came after two days of jury deliberation, with a final note sent at 9:52 a.m. on Wednesday confirming a unanimous verdict on all five counts. Also read: Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of sex trafficking charges, convicted on prostitution counts Why the jury didn't convict Diddy on the most serious charges Former federal prosecutor Mark Chutkow, in a conversation with Forbes, pointed to one key reason the jury may have ruled not guilty on the biggest charges: lack of proof of coercion. Chutkow explained that to convict someone of sex trafficking, you have to show the victims were forced, tricked, or coerced. Despite Cassie Ventura and 'Jane Doe' testifying, both women continued seeing Diddy even after the alleged incidents, some even expressed care for him. That alone could've given the jury reasonable doubt. As for the racketeering charge, the jury might not have seen enough to believe there was a full criminal network. Diddy was accused of running an entire enterprise, but he was the only one sitting in court. If others were supposedly involved, who were they, and why weren't they on trial too? Why was Diddy's bail denied? Judge Arun Subramanian refused to grant bail. One major reason being a surveillance video presented in court that reportedly showed Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura. The judge called it part of a disturbing pattern of behaviour. Prosecutors added that Diddy continued breaking laws in 2024, even after learning he was under federal investigation and after his homes were raided. So for now, Diddy stays locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His team's pushing for house arrest at his Miami home until sentencing. But prosecutors are still arguing. What happens next? The sentencing process Sentencing is currently set for October 3, but Judge Subramanian has said he's open to moving it up if the defense requests. Before that, Diddy will have to go through a presentencing investigation led by the US Probation Office. They'll look into his criminal history (or lack of it), the severity of the charges, and anything else that might factor into what kind of sentence he gets.
