Further information has emerged regarding the tragic event in which a five-year-old girl fell into the ocean from a Disney cruise ship.
The Disney Dream cruise ship was the setting for what was meant to be a perfect family vacation filled with sunshine, sea breezes, and happiness. Unfortunately, what was intended to be an idyllic getaway turned into a nightmare when the young girl unexpectedly went overboard into the ocean below.
This frightening occurrence took place on June 29 of this year as the ship was on its return journey to Florida from the Bahamas.
Passengers recounted how panic quickly spread throughout the ship after an announcement of ‘MOB port side’—the emergency code indicating ‘man overboard’—was made.
Shortly thereafter, crew members hastily deployed a rescue boat into the water.
Witnesses commended the girl’s father as a ‘hero’ for jumping in to rescue her, managing to tread water for nearly 20 minutes until both were safely retrieved.
Videos captured by spectators showed a rescue team racing to their aid, as onlookers applauded when they were brought back onto the ship.
However, months later, authorities have disclosed the true cause of the girl’s fall, which was contrary to initial assumptions.
As reported by the Daily Mail, a newly released police report indicates that the child’s mother allegedly instructed her daughter to pose for a photo in front of a porthole just before she lost her balance and fell into the sea.
The report details that the family was walking along deck four when the mother pointed to the opening, suggesting her daughter take a picture there.
Investigators stated that the mother ‘believed the porthole had a window or plexiglass,’ expecting her daughter would be supported by the glass, but instead, she continued to fall.
The report notes that authorities mentioned the mother took several photos in quick succession, creating a series of images that effectively form a brief video of the child climbing the railing and falling into the water.
Detective Christopher Favitta from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office later examined the site, writing: “Upon looking at the window myself, as a prudent person, I immediately saw that the window was open to the air, and did not have a covering.
“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.”
Despite Detective Favitta’s recommendation to press charges, the state attorney ultimately declined, stating that the mother’s actions were ‘negligent and irresponsible’ but did not meet the legal threshold for ‘criminal culpable negligence’, according to the Daily Mail.
Contact has been made with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for further comments.