Authorities investigating after father jumps off Disney cruise ship to save daughter who fell overboard
According to Disney officials, both individuals were rescued "within minutes" and reported no injuries.
Here's how the incident unfolded.
The incident happened aboard the Disney Dream as it sailed between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
It took place on the last day of the cruise.
We don't know yet.
But what we do know is that the 5-year-old girl fell overboard from the ship's fourth deck, which has a jogging track surrounded by railings and plexiglas.
After she fell overboard, witnesses say her father jumped in after her and trod water for more than 10 minutes.
This prompted a man overboard alert of "Mr MOB … port side" to be broadcast on the ship.
One passenger, Laura Amador, described how she witnessed the two enter the ocean and nearly disappear into the horizon.
"The ship was moving quickly, so quickly, it's crazy how quickly the people became tiny dots in the sea, and then you lost sight of them," Ms Amador told CBS News.
"The captain slowed the ship and turned it around, and then they deployed a tender ship with people on it to go get them, and we saw them rescue the dad and daughter."
Speaking with NBC News, James Tackett said he felt the ship make a really sharp turn.
"When they did officially get the people, everyone cheered. It was a good moment."
According to a statement from the Broward County Sheriff's Office, there "doesn't appear to be anything suspicious" about the incident. However, investigations are ongoing.
"This family is so blessed," the statement read.
"It's great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome."
The statement also praised the Disney crew, noting they "executed a successful ocean rescue".
The identities of the father and daughter have not been publicly released.
Social media posts from cruisers praised the rapid reaction from crew members and the overboard detection system that triggered an alert broadcast over the ship's loudspeakers.
In a Facebook post on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship Group, one passenger, Kevin Furuta, said:
"A girl fell overboard from the 4th deck & her dad went in after her…Thankfully the DCL rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!"
Disney confirmed in a statement that two passengers were rescued, but offered little detail about what occurred.
"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," a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson said.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 requires cruise lines to have man-overboard detection technology.
According to 2019 data from the Cruise Lines International Association, 25 people fell overboard that year from cruise ships. Only nine were saved from the water.
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