Mother of Girl Who Fell Off Disney Cruise Ship Will Not Face Criminal Charges
Disney Cruise Child Overboard Incident: What Cruise Safety Means for Families
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A scary accident aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship this past June has many parents thinking about cruise safety. A 5-year-old girl fell overboard during a family photo, but Florida officials decided not to press charges against her mother.
The incident happened on June 29 during the ship’s return to Fort Lauderdale. The Disney Dream had just finished a four-night trip to the Bahamas. What started as a simple photo opportunity turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.
How the Accident Happened
According to a police report from Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the child’s mother wanted to take a photo near an open porthole. The mom “pointed to the port hole railing and the daughter climbed on the railing and sat down. The daughter lost her balance and fell backward off the railing into the ocean,” the report states.
The little girl fell 49 feet into the ocean. Her father immediately jumped in after her to save his daughter. Disney’s rescue crews quickly pulled both family members from the water and brought them back to the ship.
This heroic rescue happened within minutes. Disney crew members acted fast to save both passengers from the ocean.
Medical Treatment After the Fall
Both the child and father needed medical care after the rescue. The 5-year-old showed signs of mild hypothermia and minor lactic acidosis. She stayed in the ship’s medical center for nine hours.
The father suffered more serious injuries. He had two spinal fractures and a buildup of lactic acid from his jump into the ocean. Medical staff treated him at Broward Health Medical Center after the ship returned to port.
Why No Charges Were Filed
Florida officials investigated the incident thoroughly. The Broward County State Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and decided against filing child neglect charges.
Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly explained the decision in a July 31 memo. “While the defendant’s conduct is arguably negligent and irresponsible, it does not rise to the egregious level of conduct necessary to establish criminal culpable negligence,” Kelly wrote.
The mother believed there was some kind of protective barrier behind the 47-inch-tall railing. She “stated that she felt like there should be covering on the windows and cited that Disney is responsible for what had occurred,” according to Detective Christopher Favitta’s report.
Kelly noted that the incident was “merely accidental.” She added that “the [mother] was supervising the victim, and while her conduct of allowing her child on the railing was negligent, it does not rise to the standard of culpable negligence or utter disregard for the safety of her child.”
The prosecutor made an important point about parenting expectations. “Parents and caregivers of children are not held to a standard of perfection under the law,” Kelly said.
Disney’s Response to the Incident
Disney praised their crew’s quick response to the emergency. A company spokesperson highlighted “crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensure the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes.”
The cruise line confirmed they rescued both passengers safely. Disney has not provided additional comments about the incident or any potential safety changes.
Cruise Safety Tips for Families
This accident reminds us why cruise safety matters so much for families. Here are some key safety tips when cruising with children:
Always supervise kids near railings and open areas. Cruise ships have many elevated spaces that can be dangerous for small children.
Teach children about ship boundaries before boarding. Explain which areas are safe and which ones require adult supervision.
Never let children climb on railings, even for photos. What looks like a fun photo opportunity can quickly become dangerous.
Check for protective barriers before allowing children near windows or openings. Don’t assume all openings have safety features.
Keep life jackets accessible and know where they’re located in your cabin. Practice putting them on with your children.
Understanding Cruise Ship Design
Modern cruise ships like the Disney Dream have many safety features. However, they also have open areas and portholes that can pose risks. The 47-inch railing height meets maritime safety standards for adults but may not prevent determined children from climbing.
Portholes serve important functions on cruise ships. They provide natural light and emergency ventilation. Some portholes can open for fresh air, especially in guest cabins and public areas.
Parents should always check if portholes or windows have protective barriers. Don’t assume all openings are covered or blocked, even on family-friendly cruise lines.
Learning From This Incident
This Disney Dream accident shows how quickly things can go wrong, even during innocent moments. The family was simply trying to take a vacation photo when tragedy almost struck.
The quick thinking of the father and Disney’s crew prevented a much worse outcome. Their fast response saved two lives that day.
For other cruise families, this incident serves as an important reminder. Always put safety first, especially around water and elevated areas. No photo is worth risking a child’s safety.
The fact that no charges were filed shows that accidents can happen to any family. The goal isn’t to blame parents but to learn from these experiences and cruise more safely in the future.
