A terrifying moment unfolded aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship on June 29 when a young girl fell overboard while the ship was sailing between The Bahamas and Florida. Her father jumped in after her, activating a quick response from the ship’s crew that brought both back on board safely.
The incident happened as the ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale following a four-night Bahamian itinerary, which included a stop at Disney’s new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. According to passengers, an emergency announcement rang out over the intercom using the code “Mr. M.O.B.”—short for “man overboard”—signaling an urgent rescue operation.
In a statement to USA TODAY, a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson confirmed, “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.”
Social media posts from passengers onboard described the chaos and quick response that followed. Facebook user Kevin Furuta, who witnessed the event, wrote, “A girl fell overboard from the 4th deck & her dad went in after her… Thankfully the DCL rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!”
The child is believed to have fallen from Deck 4, which features an outdoor walking track enclosed by plexiglass barriers. How exactly the child went overboard is still unclear.
Unlike older cruise ships, the Disney Dream and other modern vessels are equipped with man-overboard detection systems that can alert the crew instantly if someone goes into the water. In this case, the alert was followed by immediate action: life rings were thrown, and a rescue boat was deployed within minutes.
It is believed this rescue took place while the Disney Dream was actively sailing. That fact has surprised some, especially given how rare it is for someone to fall overboard on a moving ship—and be rescued alive.
The cruise line has not disclosed the identities of those involved, and passengers say the incident left many onboard shaken. What could have ended in tragedy became an incredible rescue, followed by a moment of relief that thankfully brought both safely back on board.
