A father has dived into the ocean to rescue his daughter after she fell overboard on a Disney cruise in the Caribbean.
Horrified onlookers watched as a lifeboat was launched to try and rescue the pair following the incident aboard the Disney Dream as it sailed towards Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
The ship’s emergency alert system broadcast the code “Mr. M.O.B.” (man overboard), triggering an immediate and coordinated response from the crew.
“The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water,” said a Disney spokesperson in a statement to U.S. media.
“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 event occurred while the vessel was en route to Fort Lauderdale concluding a four-night Bahamian itinerary that included a stop at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
The spokesperson further emphasised the cruise line’s dedication to guest safety, stating, “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”
Eyewitness accounts from passengers aboard the ship describe a rapid and well-organised response. Life preservers were deployed and a rescue boat was launched within minutes of the alarm.
Passenger Kevin Furuta shared on Facebook: “A girl fell overboard from the 4th deck and her dad went in after her. Thankfully, the DCL rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved.”
Deck 4 features an outdoor walking track and is enclosed by plexiglass safety barriers but the circumstances leading to the child’s fall remain unclear.
Like many modern cruise vessels, Disney ships are equipped with overboard detection systems designed to alert crew members immediately when such incidents occur.
An investigation into the specifics of the incident is likely to follow.
