Five-Year-Old Rescued After Falling Overboard From Disney Dream Cruise

A newly released police report sheds light on the dramatic events surrounding a five-year-old girl who fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship on June 29, 2025. During a voyage between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, the girl was posing for photos at her mother’s direction near an open porthole on Deck 4 when she climbed onto a railing next to the porthole, lost her balance, and fell approximately 49 feet into the ocean. Her father jumped in moments later, managing to rescue her and keep her afloat until the ship’s crew intervened. The incident has sparked discussions about cruise ship safety measures and parental responsibilities.

The Incident: A Timeline of Events

According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office report, the incident occurred at approximately 11:29 a.m., when the child was directed by her mother to pose near an open porthole on Deck 4 for a photo. The mother, mistakenly believing there was a protective glass or plexiglass barrier, encouraged the girl to pose by climbing onto the railing adjacent to the porthole. The child subsequently lost her balance and fell backward off the railing into the ocean. Surveillance footage confirmed the family’s account.

The girl’s father, walking about 10 feet ahead, heard his wife’s screams and turned to see his daughter in the water. After briefly trying to get help, he jumped in approximately 45 seconds after the fall. Guided by her screams, he located the child and kept her afloat in the water for more than 10 minutes until the ship’s rescue team arrived. Together, they were safely brought aboard a rescue tender after the Man Overboard alarm was triggered by the father’s jump, and a rescue vessel was launched. The child was uninjured except for mild hypothermia and minor lactic acidosis, while the father sustained hypothermia, lactic acidosis, and two spinal fractures.

Rescue and Crew Response

The Disney Dream activated its Man Overboard protocol only after the father’s entry triggered the alarm, as the child’s small size did not activate the sensors initially. Flotation devices were deployed, and a rescue boat was launched promptly. By 11:49 a.m., both father and daughter were rescued and taken to the ship’s medical center, where they received initial treatment before being transferred to Broward Health Medical Center upon arrival at Port Everglades.

Investigations and Legal Outcomes

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office concluded that the incident was “avoidable” and recommended child neglect charges against the mother for encouraging her daughter to pose near the railing despite the open porthole nearby, creating a hazardous situation. “Upon looking at the window myself, as a prudent person, I immediately saw that the window was open to the air and did not have a covering,” Detective Christopher Favitta stated in the report, criticizing the mother’s assumption of a protective barrier as negligent.

However, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges. Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly acknowledged the mother’s judgment was “arguably negligent and irresponsible,” but noted that it did not meet the threshold for criminal culpable negligence under Florida law. Kelly emphasized that the incident was an isolated lapse, and the child, while placed at substantial risk, did not sustain great bodily harm.

Disney’s Response and Safety Protocols

Following the incident, a spokesperson for Disney Cruise Line commended the crew’s rapid and effective response, stating: “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.” However, Disney did not address questions regarding the uncovered portholes on Deck 4, a design feature that has prompted concern among both passengers and maritime safety experts.

Overboard incidents on cruise ships, while rare, carry significant risks. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 212 overboard cases were reported worldwide between 2009 and 2019, with only 48 individuals (about 28 percent) rescued successfully. This case’s positive outcome is attributed to the father’s heroic actions and the ship’s prompt emergency response.

Industry and Safety Insights

Investigators highlighted the importance of vigilant supervision around open areas aboard ships, particularly with children. Deck 4 of the Disney Dream features multiple large open porthole-style windows above a 44-inch railing that lack protective coverings. Safety experts urge families to avoid seating children on railings, supervise them closely on open decks, and adhere to posted safety warnings and crew instructions.

While the investigation has been officially closed, the incident has fueled ongoing discussions regarding cruise ship safety features and parental responsibilities. The mother, for her part, stated she initially believed a glass barrier was present and expressed regret over the misunderstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What caused the girl’s fall?

The girl fell after losing her balance while sitting on a railing next to an open porthole on Deck 4. Her mother, mistakenly believing the porthole had a protective barrier, directed her to pose for a photo near there.

Why weren’t charges filed against the mother?

The State Attorney’s Office determined that while the mother's decision was negligent, it did not meet Florida’s legal standard for criminal culpable negligence. Her assumption of a protective barrier and the isolated nature of the incident were key factors in this decision.

Did the ship’s safety systems function as intended?

The child did not trigger the Disney Dream’s man-overboard sensors due to her small size. The alarm was activated only after the father jumped into the water, initiating the rescue operation.

Are overboard incidents common on cruise ships?

Overboard incidents are very rare, affecting approximately 0.00004 percent of passengers and crew according to CLIA. Of the 212 cases reported between 2009 and 2019, 48 individuals (about 28 percent) were rescued.

What injuries did the father and daughter sustain?

The child suffered mild hypothermia and minor lactic acidosis but was otherwise unharmed. The father sustained hypothermia, lactic acidosis, and two spinal fractures.