Girl Falls From Disney Cruise Ship After Being Asked to Pose for Photo
A five-year-old girl fell approximately 50 feet from the Disney Dream cruise ship into the ocean on June 29th, after her mother allegedly asked her to pose for a photograph near an open porthole, according to authorities. The incident occurred while the family was traveling on the vessel.
The girl lost her footing while standing near the porthole and fell into the sea.Her father immediately jumped in after her, approximately 45 seconds later. A mayday call was issued, and a rescue boat was deployed within three minutes.
Despite the fall, the girl miraculously sustained no serious injuries. Her father was later treated for an unspecified medical issue.
Initial reports and rumors suggested the father may have lifted the girl onto a railing for a photo, but investigations revealed a different account. Authorities state the girl accidentally fell after being asked by her mother to pose near the railing.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office interrogated both parents, and their statements were consistent with each other and with security camera footage. The mother reportedly told police she had taken several photos of her daughter near the railings throughout the cruise, and even provided a picture of the girl lying in a porthole window. She also allegedly expressed her belief that the windows should have had coverings and stated that Disney was responsible for the incident.
While criminal charges were considered, Florida State Attorney Melissa Kelly persistent the mother’s actions did not constitute “criminal culpable negligence.” In a statement on September 16th, Kelly explained that while the conduct was “arguably negligent and irresponsible,” it did not reach the level required for criminal prosecution.
As a result, the State Attorney’s office declined to prosecute, and the case has been closed.
