Disney Cruise ship disaster: Dad jumps overboard to save his daughter after falling from fourth deck

A dad has jumped into the ocean to save his daughter after she fell overboard from the fourth deck on a Disney cruise on Sunday, according to officials and multiple news reports.

The Disney Dream was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday following a four-night cruise in the Bahamas and made a stop at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, where the incident took place.

“The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water,” Disney Cruise Line told People.

“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.

According to posts in the unofficial Disney Dream Cruise Ship Facebook group, where passengers often share updates and experiences, a young girl fell overboard from the ship’s fourth deck and a man identified as her father immediately jumped in after her.

“Her dad went in after her,” passenger Kevin Furuta wrote.

“Right after the incident, we heard on the loudspeaker, ‘MOB (man overboard) Port side!! Thankfully, the (Disney) rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!”

In a separate post, passenger Mary Ann Sutherland wrote, “A little girl fell overboard and her father jumped in to save her … apparently the dad sat her on the railing!”

After treading water for about 20 minutes with his daughter in his arms, they were both rescued by member of the ship’s crew.

In video footage posted on Facebook by passenger Janice Martin-Asuque, who is believed to have witnessed the incident, a lifeboat can be seen floating in the choppy waters with people sitting inside.

“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests,” Disney Cruise Line added in their statement to People.

“This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

Another angle of the rescue has been shared on TikTok, with the user describing the scene as a “miracle”.

No injuries were reported from the incident.