A Disney Cruise Line vacation descended into chaos on Sunday after a child reportedly fell overboard from the Disney Dream, prompting her father to jump in after her.
The incident unfolded as the ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale from a four-night Bahamian cruise that included a stop at Disney’s private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Both individuals were promptly rescued from the water, Disney officials said.
Newsweek has contacted Disney Cruise Line for comment by email.
The Context
Overboard incidents on cruise ships, while rare, are often fatal. Disney Cruise Line said the incident highlights the effectiveness of its safety protocols.
What To Know
On Sunday, the emergency code “Mr. M.O.B.” (man overboard) was announced over the intercom, alerting crew members to respond immediately, The Street reported.
It is unclear what led to child falling overboard. Disney Cruise Line confirmed the incident in a statement.
Passengers onboard took to social media to share their firsthand accounts of the incident and the rescue operation.
“On the last day of our Dream voyage and it is an at Sea Day. A girl fell overboard from the 4th deck & her dad went in after her,” wrote passenger Kevin Furuta in a Facebook post. “Right after the incident we heard on the loud speaker MOB Port side!! Thankfully the DCL rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!”
Another passenger, Shannon Pechaek Lindholm, shared an image of the rescue boat and wrote: “This was the boat that went in and brought them BOTH back safely.”
She added: “DCL for the win! It was a fast and furious quick rescue, truly a miracle x2.”
Facebook user Tiffany Craven reacted: “That’s terrifying!!! Thank goodness for the happy ending though. Makes me anxious with my 4 year old now though!”
“It’s a miracle they are both OK especially if the ship was moving,” wrote Facebook user Sam Gerber. “Amazing rescue!”
India Aimery added: “I’ve been on several Disney ships, and it is pretty hard to just fall overboard unless you’re climbing and intentionally trying to go overboard. I’m glad that they are OK.”
The Disney Dream, launched in 2011, is one is one of the largest ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, accommodating up to 4,000 passengers.
How Often Do Overboard Incidents Occur?
According to a 2022 report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there are roughly 20 to 25 overboard incidents per year. With over 25 million passengers sailing annually, that translates to roughly one incident per million cruisers, according to travel website Boarding Area.
The publication looked at a dataset covering 2009 to 2019 and found that out of 212 people who went overboard, only 48 were rescued, suggesting a survival rate between 17 percent and 25 percent.
What People Are Saying
Disney Cruise Line said in a statement published by Fox 35 Orlando: “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.”
What Happens Next
The Disney Dream is en route back to Port Everglades, Florida, following the rescue.
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