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Shocking new details after girl fell from Disney Cruise ship before dad jumped overboard to save her
A five-year-old girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship in late June after sitting on the railing of an open porthole while her mother attempted to take a photo. According to a newly released police report obtained by People, the incident happened on June 29 during a four-night cruise returning to Fort Lauderdale. The child’s father jumped into the ocean seconds later to save her, and both were rescued by the ship’s crew within minutes.
The report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office states the family had been walking on the fourth deck when they paused to take a picture of the girl. The mother allegedly pointed toward the porthole, and the child climbed onto the railing and sat down. She then lost her balance and fell backward into the ocean, approximately 49 feet below.
Her father jumped in after her less than a minute later. Rescue boats launched shortly after and successfully recovered both passengers. The girl was unharmed; her father sustained injuries and was taken to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment.
Investigation finds incident did not meet criminal threshold
Detective Christopher Favitta inspected the area and confirmed the railing was 47 inches tall and the window “was open to the air and did not have a covering.” The mother told investigators her daughter had taken swim lessons but could not swim, and she believed there should have been safety features covering the porthole. She also shared photos taken during the incident, which were “live pictures” that, when viewed sequentially, showed the child getting on the railing and falling into the water.
The father, who said it was the family’s first cruise, explained he had been walking slightly ahead and only realized what had happened when he heard his wife’s “desperate” scream.
Charges of child neglect were reviewed by the Florida State Attorney’s Office but ultimately dropped. In an email dated September 16, Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly wrote: “While the defendant's conduct is arguably negligent and irresponsible, it does not rise the egregious level of conduct necessary to establish criminal culpable negligence. Therefore, in light of the facts of this case along with the relevant case law, I am declining one count of child neglect without great bodily harm.”
Disney praises crew’s fast response
Disney confirmed the successful rescue of both individuals and acknowledged the crew’s rapid response, stating: “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.”
The company has not issued further comment on safety protocols or possible changes in response to the incident.