Girl's Dad On Disney Cruise Did Not Place Her On Railing Before Horrifying Plunge, Reveals Probe

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 11:06 IST

The Broward Sheriff's Office said the claims that the father held his 5-year-old daughter on the railing were false.

The swift action by cruise rescue team also helped the two from being left behind.

After the rescue of the father-daughter duo, who were onboard the Disney Dream cruise, from ocean, some reports had emerged claiming that the man had been holding the girl on the ship’s railing just before the she fell from the ship. As South Florida authorities examined the incident, the claims have been termed false.

According to a report by CBS News, the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the “little girl was not being held," and there was nothing suspicious, countering false claims circulating on social media.

What Broward Sheriff’s Office Said?

In a statement on the incident, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said, “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. While there doesn’t appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard. This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome. The incident involved a father and his 5-year-old daughter."

The father was initially hailed as a hero after he made a split-second decision to leap off the fourth deck of a Disney Cruise ship to rescue his 5-year-old daughter, who had accidentally fallen into the ocean. The incident unfolded on Sunday aboard the Disney Dream, as it was sailing back to South Florida from the Bahamas.

According to passengers, the child fell overboard from a significant height, and her father immediately dove into the open water without hesitation. Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the ship was moving so fast that “the people became tiny dots in the sea" before disappearing from view. The father reportedly jumped the moment he realized his daughter had fallen off the ship.

As panic erupted on the ship, the captain quickly initiated an emergency stop, turned the massive vessel around, and deployed a tender rescue boat. The crew tossed life preservers into the water as trained responders raced toward the father and child.

Video clips shared by passengers captured the emotional moment the rescue crew reached the father, who was seen holding his daughter tightly as they floated in the water. He handed his daughter over to the rescuers before climbing into the rescue boat himself. Onlookers cheered and cried in relief as both were brought back aboard safely.

Disney Cruise Line praised its crew in a statement, saying, “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 emphasised that the incident demonstrates the strength of its safety protocols and the professionalism of its team.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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New York, United States of America (USA)

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News world Girl's Dad On Disney Cruise Did Not Place Her On Railing Before Horrifying Plunge, Reveals Probe