Father Leaps Overboard to Save Daughter After Disney Cruise Fall
A terrifying moment aboard the Disney Dream this summer has now been fully detailed in official documents, revealing that a 5-year-old girl fell overboard after her mother mistakenly believed a porthole had a protective glass barrier.
The Incident
The accident occurred on June 29, 2025, as the ship sailed between Florida and the Bahamas. The family had stopped on Deck 4 to take photos when the mother reportedly pointed to a large porthole opening and encouraged her daughter to pose inside it.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the girl climbed up and sat on the porthole’s railing, but lost her balance and fell backward approximately 50 feet into the ocean. The mother initially didn’t realize her daughter had fallen, assuming that the window was covered by glass. Once she noticed her daughter was gone, she screamed for help.
Father’s Heroic Rescue
Within a minute of the fall, the child’s father jumped from the same deck in a desperate attempt to save her. He was able to reach her in the water and hold her afloat until a rescue tender was launched from the ship.
Video footage from passengers captured the crew rescuing the pair about 20 minutes later. Both the father and daughter were safely recovered and immediately treated by Disney Cruise Line’s onboard medical team.
The child suffered mild hypothermia and minor lactic acidosis, while her father sustained more serious injuries — including hypothermia, lactic acidosis, and two spinal fractures.
Investigation Findings
Authorities launched an investigation into the incident, which concluded this month. Early speculation suggested the father may have been involved in lifting the child over the railing, but police reports and surveillance footage confirmed that the mother was the one who instructed her daughter to sit in the open porthole for a photograph.
Detective Christopher Favitta, who inspected the scene, stated that “the window was open to the air and did not have a covering,” adding that the mother’s actions “placed the child in a life-threatening situation.”
However, Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly ruled that while the mother’s actions were negligent, they did not meet the standard for criminal culpable negligence.
“The Defendant believed that there was some sort of protective barrier between the railing and the water,” Kelly wrote. “She was innocently capturing a photograph of her daughter when the incident occurred. This was an isolated accident, and all evidence shows it was merely accidental.”
Disney Cruise Line’s Response
Disney Cruise Line has not publicly commented on the completed investigation but previously confirmed the overboard incident and commended crew members for their rapid and professional response that ensured the family’s rescue.
The mother reportedly told investigators she believed Disney should have installed coverings on the open portholes, suggesting the cruise line shared responsibility for the accident.
A Lesson for All Cruising Families
The case has since been closed with no charges filed, and both the father and daughter have made full recoveries. Still, safety experts urge families to use this as a reminder to remain cautious on open decks and to never allow children to climb on or near railings or openings.
According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) data, 212 people went overboard from 2009 to 2019, with only about 22% surviving.
In this instance, thanks to quick action by the father and crew, a tragedy was averted — but the incident stands as a sobering warning for all cruise travelers.