The incident happened on Sunday, June 29, as the Disney Dream was sailing between the Bahamas and South Florida.
According to reports, the young girl fell from Deck 4, and her father immediately dove in after her without hesitation. Multiple TikTok videos posted by passengers capture the dramatic moment the father clutched his daughter in the water while the ship’s crew rushed to their rescue. Passengers watched in awe as life preservers were thrown and rescue boats deployed. Cheers erupted when the father and daughter were safely pulled aboard one of the boats. Disney Cruise Line praised its crew, stating, “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.”
While some speculate the child may have been lifted onto the railing for a photo, the exact cause remains unclear. What is clear, though, is the father’s unwavering bravery. "Oh my God, that's a dad that needs to have a hero. He's a hero. He jumped in to save his child. He's a hero, he's a hero, that man is a hero," said passenger Tracy Robinson-Hughes.
“That dad jumped in after her probably fully knowing he might die — that’s love,” another wrote on TikTok.
Photo: DANIEL SLIM / AFP / Getty Images