Local sources from United States: BBC, CBC.
UK coverage: Reuters.
In a heart-stopping incident that has captured the attention of people around the world, a father displayed extraordinary bravery by jumping into the Atlantic Ocean from the ‘Disney Dream’ cruise ship to rescue his young daughter after she accidentally fell overboard. The dramatic event unfolded on a sunny afternoon as the ship was making its way back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from a picturesque journey around the Bahamas, marking a terrifying yet miraculous ending to their four-day cruise. Witnesses aboard the 14-deck vessel recounted the chilling moment when the young girl, reportedly five years old, fell from the fourth deck into the ocean while her father was taking her picture against the ship’s railing. Without a moment’s hesitation, the father leaped into the vast ocean to save her, prompting a man-overboard alert and a swift rescue operation by the ship’s crew. The father and daughter duo were in the water for approximately 10 minutes before a tender ship, part of the Disney Dream fleet, rescued them amidst cheers of relief and admiration from passengers witnessing the ordeal. The incident, captured on video by a fellow passenger, quickly spread across social media, drawing commendation for the father’s heroism and the crew’s rapid response. Disney Cruise Line issued a statement confirming the rescue, praising the crew for their ‘swift and effective’ action, and reaffirming their commitment to guest safety. This rare and frightening occurrence of passengers falling overboard has highlighted not only the potential dangers associated with cruise vacations but also the remarkable acts of bravery and professional conduct that can arise in moments of crisis. The successful rescue serves as a testament to the quick thinking and dedication of individuals and teams under pressure, ensuring a happy conclusion to what could have been a tragic event.
