Heroic Father Jumps In to Save His Daughter
Witnesses said the girl had been sitting on the railing while her father prepared to take a picture. She lost her balance and fell into the ocean. Without hesitation, her father jumped in after her.
“He wanted to take a picture, and she fell off,” said passenger Gar Frantz. “They started throwing life jackets overboard right away.”
The father treaded water for nearly 20 minutes until a rescue boat arrived and brought both him and his daughter back to safety.
Both Rescued Without Injury
Footage posted online shows crew members helping both individuals onto the rescue boat. Neither suffered injuries, according to Disney Cruise Line.
“The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water,” a spokesperson said. “We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions.”
Rare Survival in Overboard Incidents
Surviving a fall from a cruise ship is extremely rare. A report from the Cruise Lines International Association noted 212 overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019—with only 48 survivors, about 28%.
The Disney Dream, like all ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, is equipped with real-time overboard detection systems. These systems, which often use thermal cameras and radar, are designed to immediately alert crew when someone falls overboard, reducing rescue response times.
Passengers Left Shaken, But Grateful
Chandler, who witnessed the rescue with her own daughter nearby, said she feared the worst.
“I had to tell my 9-year-old daughter Harper they were probably gone,” she admitted. “They usually can’t find people who fall. We were all holding our breath.”
Thanks to fast crew response and the father’s bravery, both were safely returned aboard.
