The trip aboard the Disney Dream was supposed to be a week of laughter and family memories — the kind of magical experience most families only dream of. But for one family, that dream came crashing down when their five-year-old daughter suddenly disappeared over the side of the ship.
The terrifying event happened on June 29, as the ship was returning to Florida from the Bahamas, just hours before it was due to dock back at port.
Within moments, crew members scrambled into action, deploying a rescue boat into the water below as onlookers gathered in disbelief along the railings.
Witnesses said the girl’s father became an instant hero when he jumped into the ocean after her, managing to keep her above the waves for nearly 20 minutes before the two were finally rescued and brought back on board.
Months later, police reports obtained by the Daily Mail revealed the heartbreaking reason behind the accident — and it was far more tragic than anyone had first imagined.
According to the report, the girl’s mother had asked her to pose for a photo in front of a porthole just moments before she lost her footing and fell through the open space into the ocean below.
They said the mother assumed the opening was sealed by glass or plexiglass and didn’t realize it was completely open to the air. When the child climbed up to pose, she slipped backward and fell straight into the water.
Authorities later confirmed that the mother had taken several photos in quick succession. When viewed together, those images formed what investigators described as a “seconds-long video” that captured the moment the girl climbed onto the railing and fell overboard.
“This act, facilitated by [the mother] placed the child in a life-threatening situation. As a result, the child fell from the ship and into the water, in an avoidable accident.”
Although Detective Favitta recommended charges be filed, the state attorney decided against it, concluding that while the mother’s behavior was negligent and careless, it did not rise to the level of “criminal culpable negligence” required for prosecution, according to the Daily Mail.
