Father's Heroic Actions Save Daughter's Life on Disney Dream Cruise Ship
A 5-year-old girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday, prompting her father to jump into the ocean after her. Witnesses and a Disney crew member reported that the girl was climbing up onto the ship's railing, which had a protective barrier, when she lost her balance and fell into the water. Her father, who was playing shuffleboard with her, immediately jumped into the ocean to save her. After treading water for over 10 minutes, he handed her over to a rescue boat from the ship before getting into the boat himself.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident occurred on the Disney Dream cruise ship as it sailed between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale.
- The girl was climbing up onto the ship's railing, which had a protective barrier, when she lost her balance and fell into the water.
- Her father, who was playing shuffleboard with her, immediately jumped into the ocean to save her and treading water for over 10 minutes.
- A Disney crew member witnessed the fall and reported that the girl was climbing up and her parents were playing shuffleboard.
- Maritime attorney Nicholas Gerson said the father's actions likely saved his daughter's life and called him a hero.
- The incident was unusual because it occurred during the day, with witnesses nearby and an immediate response from the father and the ship's crew.
- Most man overboard cases occur at night, with delayed responses and poor visibility, making it often too late to save the person.
Statistics:
- The Disney Dream cruise ship was sailing between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale at the time of the incident.
- The ship was moving at approximately 20 knots when the incident occurred.
- The girl's father treading water for over 10 minutes before being rescued by the ship's crew.
Sources:
- Broward Sheriff's Office (no additional information provided)
- CBS News Miami (no specific date or publication)
- Nicholas Gerson, maritime attorney with Gerson & Schwartz (no additional information provided)
- Disney Dream cruise ship passenger Monica Shannon (no additional information provided)