What was meant to be a magical family cruise turned into a real-life ocean drama when a father leapt off the Disney Dream cruise ship to save his young daughter after she fell overboard between the Bahamas and South Florida on Sunday.
The terrifying moment unfolded on the final leg of a four-night Bahamian cruise, just before the ship was due to return to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, as reported by CBS News . According to eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media, the child plunged into the open sea from Deck 4, prompting her father to jump in after her without hesitation.
Onboard panic turned into unified concern as an emergency alert rang out through the ship. Crew members quickly sprang into action, launching a rescue tender and throwing life preservers into the water as passengers watched in shock from the decks.
One of those passengers, Laura Amador, described the scene to reporters: 'The ship was moving fast, and they became tiny dots in the sea so quickly. It was terrifying. The captain had to turn the ship around, and a smaller boat was sent out to reach them.'
A now-viral TikTok video by user noeayala32 captured the father keeping his daughter afloat in his arms, even handing her off to the rescue team before climbing aboard himself. He was praised by fellow passengers for his selfless act and incredible strength, having reportedly treaded water for over 10 minutes.