A dramatic ocean rescue occurred when a father jumped to save his 5-year-old daughter after she lost her balance while sitting on a railing and slipped through a porthole, according to authorities.
The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, on Deck 4 of the Disney Dream ship while it was sailing in international waters between the Bahamas and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward Sheriff’s Department confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Investigators said the child was sitting on a railing near a porthole when she fell backward into the ocean.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson confirmed the successful rescue: “The crew aboard the Disney Dream quickly rescued two guests from the water. We commend our crew members for their outstanding skills and quick actions, which ensured that both guests were safely returned 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,” they said. Fox News Digital has reached out to Disney Cruise Line for additional comment.
The passenger cruise ship Disney Dream leaves the French Mediterranean port of Marseille. (Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Once rescued, the father and daughter duo were checked by the ship’s medical staff. After the ship safely arrived Monday at Port Everglades, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue transported them to an area hospital.
The father was hospitalized, but details of his injuries were not released. The sheriff’s department noted that the family lives out of state, and they are not releasing their names nor where they live.
“This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome,” the sheriff’s department said.
