What was meant to be a magical family cruise turned into a real-life ocean drama when a father leapt off the Disney Dream cruise ship to save his young daughter after she fell overboard between the Bahamas and South Florida on Sunday.
The terrifying moment unfolded on the final leg of a four-night Bahamian cruise, just before the ship was due to return to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, as reported by CBS News. According to eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media, the child plunged into the open sea from Deck 4, prompting her father to jump in after her without hesitation.
Onboard panic turned into unified concern as an emergency alert rang out through the ship. Crew members quickly sprang into action, launching a rescue tender and throwing life preservers into the water as passengers watched in shock from the decks.
One of those passengers, Laura Amador, described the scene to reporters: ‘The ship was moving fast, and they became tiny dots in the sea so quickly. It was terrifying. The captain had to turn the ship around, and a smaller boat was sent out to reach them.’
A now-viral TikTok video by user @noeayala32 captured the father keeping his daughter afloat in his arms, even handing her off to the rescue team before climbing aboard himself. He was praised by fellow passengers for his selfless act and incredible strength, having reportedly treaded water for over 10 minutes.
@noeayala32 #disneycruise #disneydream ♬ original sound – noe ayala875
‘He’s a hero, no doubt about it,’ said Tracy Robinson-Hughes from South Carolina, who recorded the rescue and broke down in tears as the father and daughter were brought back on board. ‘I cried like a baby. We were all so worried, and when they were safe, everyone just started cheering.’
Passenger Eric Pabon added, ‘It took everyone’s breath away. As a father, I would’ve done the same. It was emotional to witness.’
Although Disney ships are built with Plexiglas barriers to prevent such accidents, questions remain about how the child managed to fall overboard. Cruise expert Amanda Berry, known online as Mandy the Cruise Planner, weighed in: ‘Only 17 to 25 percent of people survive after going overboard. This father and daughter being found alive is extraordinary. It shows how well-trained Disney’s crew really is.’
In a statement, Disney Cruise Line praised their staff, saying:
‘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. This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.’
While the identities of the father and daughter have not been released, the overwhelming reaction from fellow cruisers has been one of relief, gratitude, and admiration for a father’s unwavering courage.
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Picture: Noeayala32 / TikTok
