Father’s Heroic Leap Saves Daughter in Disney Cruise Porthole Accident
Sarah Johnson
July 3, 2025
Brief
A father heroically jumped into the ocean to save his daughter after she fell through a porthole on a Disney cruise, with the crew executing a swift rescue.
A heart-stopping incident unfolded aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship when a 5-year-old girl slipped through a porthole, prompting her father to leap into the ocean to save her. The dramatic rescue, which took place on June 29 around 11:30 a.m. in international waters between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, showcased both a parent’s courage and the crew’s swift response.
The young girl, perched on a Deck 4 railing, lost her balance and fell backward into the sea. Her mother, witnessing the terrifying moment, alerted her husband, who didn’t hesitate to dive in after his daughter. For 20 grueling minutes, the 37-year-old father treaded water, keeping his child afloat until Disney Cruise Line’s rescue team arrived on a tender. Their survival is a testament to both instinct and training.
Security footage confirmed the family’s account, showing the accidental fall and the father’s heroic jump. The Broward Sheriff’s Department, overseeing the ongoing investigation, praised the cruise line’s crew for their rapid response, honed by rigorous man-overboard drills. Passenger Dewayne Smith shared on social media that the ship’s loudspeaker blared “Man Over Board,” sparking prayers among onlookers as the rescue unfolded.
Disney Cruise Line’s statement emphasized their commitment to safety, noting the crew’s exceptional skills ensured both father and daughter were back on board within minutes. After the rescue, the ship’s medical team evaluated the pair, and upon docking at Port Everglades on Monday, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue transported them to a hospital. The father required hospitalization, though details of his condition remain undisclosed. The family, whose identities and home state are private, was hailed as “blessed” by authorities for the positive outcome.
This incident underscores the unpredictability of life at sea and the extraordinary measures taken to protect passengers. It’s a story of quick thinking, bravery, and a crew ready to act when seconds matter most.
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Editor's Comments
Talk about a father’s love turning him into a real-life Aquaman! While the Disney Dream crew deserves a standing ovation for their rescue skills, let’s hope the ship’s railings get a safety sequel. Maybe next time, they’ll install ‘kid-proof’ portholes—because no one wants to play ‘catch’ in the Atlantic!
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