Authorities have released new information about the June 29 incident aboard the Disney Dream, where a 5-year-old girl fell overboard while the cruise ship was sailing in international waters, as reported by The New York Post.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the child slipped through a porthole on Deck 4 of the vessel before falling into the ocean.

The child had been sitting on a railing near a shuffleboard area while her parents were playing nearby. Around 11:30 a.m., she reportedly fell backward through the porthole and into the open water.

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Her 37-year-old father, alerted by the girl’s mother, immediately jumped into the ocean to rescue his daughter. The two remained in the water for approximately 20 minutes before being recovered by the ship’s rescue team.

Officials said the father’s actions were heroic and dispelled rumors circulating online suggesting he was holding the child over the railing at the time of the fall.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that security footage and statements from crew members backed the family’s account.

“This family is so blessed,” the sheriff’s office stated. “It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome.”

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The ship’s captain had issued a “Mr. Mop Portside” call, signaling to crew members that there was a possible person overboard on the left side of the ship. That alert prompted a coordinated rescue effort.

Disney Cruise SOS
Dad Jumps Ship to Save Daughter.. Ocean Rescue on Cam!
Heroes pic.twitter.com/7mdY8K8GuR

— Global (@GlobaltrekX) June 30, 2025

Deck 4, where the incident occurred, is one of the less crowded areas of the ship and contains shuffleboard courts, according to passengers.

While a protective barrier exists on that level, passengers noted there are small divots and spaces that could allow for climbing. It is unclear why the porthole was open or how the girl managed to fall through it.

Monica Shannon, a passenger onboard, told CBS Miami, “There are little divots and spaces that make it so that you can climb.”

In a statement, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office praised the response:

“Based on media reports I have read, the Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue.”

Disney also issued a statement following the incident:

“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.”

Both the father and daughter received medical attention aboard the ship and were later transported to a local hospital upon the ship’s return to port. The father was hospitalized, though officials have not released details about his condition.

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