Dad jumps from Disney cruise ship to save daughter after she falls overboard

“It's crazy how quickly the people became tiny dots in the sea, and then you lost sight of them." 

The father and daughter were rescued after spending 20 minutes in the water. Disney Image: noeayala32

A father has heroically sprung to action after his daughter fell from the balcony of a Disney Cruise ship.

After his child fell overboard the man dived into the water below to save her, before treading water waiting for rescue. 

The boat was heading from Florida to the Bahamas when the alert suddenly echoed throughout the ship: “ “Mr MOB … port side!” which refers to man overboard.  

The father and daughter were rescued after spending 20 minutes in the water. Disney Image: noeayala32

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"Man overboard calls went up immediately"

Footage and images of the incident surfaced across social media, showing tense scenes passengers witnessed. 

“A little girl fell overboard and her dad jumped overboard to try to save her. Man overboard calls went up immediately. The Disney crew went into action asap,” wrote fellow traveller, Dewayne Smith. 

“Lots of praying folks on this ship! Both the little girl and dad were both successfully rescued!” 

A rescue boat was lowered to the waters of the Atlantic below, making its way to the pair.  

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"I saw the mother crying"

They spent roughly 20 minutes bobbing in the water and drifting away from the boat before being pulled to safety. 

Upon their return to the ship, passengers cheered for the successful rescue the father had done. 

Others commented on just how quick the situation escalated.  

"I saw the mother crying and but when they rescued them, I think that's when the tears really started flowing," one passenger told the media as she exited the ship. 

“It's crazy how quickly the people became tiny dots in the sea, and then you lost sight of them," another said. 

It's not known how the girl fell from the cruise ship. Image: CMD-91/TikTok

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Disney Cruise Line has since released a statement addressing the incident. A spokesperson said:  

"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 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." 

It is not yet known how the child fell overboard, with the ship having plexiglass barriers around the perimeter of the decks. 

Originally published as Dad jumps from Disney cruise ship to save daughter after she falls overboard