Father jumps overboard to rescue daughter in Disney Cruise ship

Dubai: A routine family vacation aboard a Disney cruise ship transformed into a heart-stopping emergency when a young girl fell overboard from the vessel's fourth deck, prompting her father to leap into the ocean in a desperate rescue attempt.

The incident, which occurred as the Disney Dream was returning from a Bahamas voyage to Fort Lauderdale, ended successfully with both father and daughter safely rescued by the ship's crew.

The sudden manoeuvre alerted travellers that something serious was happening, though many didn't initially understand the gravity of the situation.

According to passenger accounts, the atmosphere was tense as everyone watched the rescue efforts unfold.

The Disney Cruise Line crew responded with remarkable efficiency, quickly deploying rescue protocols to retrieve both the father and daughter from the ocean.

Their swift action proved crucial in ensuring the safety of both individuals, who were pulled from the water within minutes of the incident. As reported by CNN, both were brought back aboard the Disney Dream safely.

James Tackett, a passenger on the cruise, described feeling the ship make an abrupt turn and later learning about the emergency from other travellers. The relief was palpable when the rescue was completed successfully.

"When they did officially get the people, everyone cheered," Tackett recounted, highlighting the collective anxiety and ultimate joy shared by fellow passengers.

This incident underscores the critical importance of maritime safety protocols and the preparedness of cruise ship crews to handle emergency situations.

Disney Cruise Line has not released detailed statements about the specific circumstances leading to the child's fall, but the company confirmed that both individuals were rescued safely.

The father's split-second decision to jump into the ocean demonstrates the protective instincts of a parent.

While such actions are hazardous and not recommended by safety experts, his quick thinking likely played a crucial role in ensuring his daughter's survival.

The Disney Dream continued its journey back to Fort Lauderdale following the rescue, allowing the family to receive any necessary medical attention upon arrival. Both father and daughter are reported to be in good condition following their ordeal.