The Disney Dream was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night cruise in the Bahamas when the girl went overboard.
A quick-thinking father jumped into the ocean to save his daughter after she fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday. Both were successfully rescued within minutes, thanks to the ship’s fast emergency response.
The incident occurred as the $900 million Disney Dream was sailing back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night trip to the Bahamas. Around that time, the ship’s intercom blared an emergency alert — “Mr. M.O.B.,” signaling a man overboard situation, according to USA Today.
A Disney Cruise Line spokesperson confirmed the successful rescue:
“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. This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”
Reports suggest the young girl fell from the ship’s fourth deck, which has a walking track and plexiglass safety barriers. Her exact age and the circumstances leading to the fall have not yet been confirmed.
Without hesitation, her father jumped in after her, grabbing hold and staying afloat until the ship’s rescue team arrived. According to witnesses, the pair were in the water for about 25 minutes before they were pulled to safety.
Videos posted on TikTok and Facebook show the dramatic moments passengers rushed to the railings in disbelief, watching rescue crews launch a bright yellow boat into the ocean. The crowd later erupted in applause as the father and daughter were hauled aboard and brought back to the ship — visibly shaken but safe.
Passenger Kevin Futura shared on Facebook:
“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!”
Another traveler, Dewayne Smith, echoed the relief felt across the ship:
“Man overboard calls went up immediately. The Disney crew went into action ASAP. Lots of praying folks on this ship! Both the little girl and dad were successfully rescued.”
Disney Cruise Line, like other major cruise operators, is equipped with overboard detection systems that automatically alert the crew if a person goes overboard.
Officials have not released the identities of the father and daughter, and no further details have been provided as of Monday afternoon.
